The Community Speaks Out On the Death of PATRICK LYOYA
Michael Brown's campaign released the following statement today:
As in any situation like this it is important not to rush to judgement. This tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated and reviewed. The Grand Rapids police chief was right to release videos in an effort to maintain transparency. Michael Brown was an early advocate for police body cams for just this reason. He believes full transparency is important. Michael Brown is a dedicated law enforcement professional with an unmatched record on public safety and supporting our police officers. The job of a police officer is filled with split second decisions. All actions require thoughtful review evaluating all available evidence. Michael Brown will not be making any statements about the case since the MIchigan State Police is the lead investigating agency.
Grand Rapids Public Schools:
Dear GRPS Community, On April 4, 2022, Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese American man, was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police Department officer. This incident is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police. The Grand Rapids Police Department released the video footage today.
African immigrants and refugees make up a significant portion of the Grand Rapids Public Schools' scholars and community. Many families came to Grand Rapids (and the U.S.) fleeing violence in their home countries to find peace. Nevertheless, they now experience the place of their refuge becoming a source of the trauma from which they fled. However, even amid this tragedy, they seek compassion and justice.
People of color, be they born in the U.S. or abroad, and come from communities that find strength in collectivism. Sharing is an integral part of their lives.
These communities too, are sharing the grief with this Congolese family. The incident on April 4th is considered a traumatic event or traumatic stressor.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, traumatic stress occurs when a child experiences an intense event that threatens or causes harm to his/her/their emotional and physical well-being. One of these stressors can be community violence. Please see resources for Trauma Care from our Behavior Health Program Staff here - https://www.grps.org/health-services.
Nearly 80% of our school community is comprised of students of color and within that an immigrant population that is more than 40% African. As a district, we are positioned to support our community as details and information continue to unfold.
We take this position seriously.
Though this is a fresh tragedy, it speaks to a familiar pain felt by communities of color. This is a pain that they know all too well. As such, the struggle to reconcile the painful realities of this situation - previously far away from our city - is now on our front porch. We offer the resources below knowing that caregivers and staff will soon encounter scholars' questions, concerns, and frustrations that are inevitable in the aftermath of this incident: Explaining the News to Our Kids. This post provides age-based tips on talking to kids about the news and how to listen to scholars. The information can be easily applied to the school setting, though written for parents.
We recognize that people may be feeling an array of emotions, uncertainty, and heaviness. Our success hinges upon our ability to act and support. That said, we encourage you to be mindful of your feelings and biases, take care of yourselves and each other, and seek support when you need it. Please feel free to use GRPS Behavioral Health Department serivices at (616) 819-1773.
Sen. Winnie Brinks (D Grand Rapids) has issued the following statement after video footage was released today regarding the case of a local police officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya last Monday morning in Grand Rapids:
"I am outraged and heartbroken by the death of Patrick Lyoya, who was fatally shot by police last week. I extend my deepest condolences to his family as they grapple with this tragic loss, and join our community in mourning him. "Our community is rightfully demanding an accurate and full investigation. I urge all involved to proceed transparently and with sensitivity to the urgency and pain our community is feeling. "I have been in touch with local faith leaders and others to offer my support and will continue to stay in contact with them as we work through this together. "Finally, we must work toward effective public safety that serves everyone in our communities so tragedies like these do not continue to happen."
Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II Statements on Shooting of Patrick Lyoya:
"The Lieutenant Governor and I spoke with Patrick's family and our hearts are with them and the Grand Rapids community who are dealing with unimaginable pain and loss. Patrick was 26. He arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family fleeing violence. He had his whole life ahead of him. Patrick was a son, a dad of two young daughters, and an older brother to his five siblings. "The Michigan State Police will conduct a transparent, independent investigation of the shooting. Then, prosecutors must consider all the evidence, follow the law, and take appropriate action on charges. Justice is foundational to safety, and without justice, we are all less safe. "Patrick's father asked me to convey his hope that any demonstrations in his son's honor remain peaceful, and as Governor I share this view. We must come together and build a future where Black Michiganders are afforded equal rights, dignity, and safety in our communities. I will never stop fighting to make Michigan a more equitable and just state."
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II:
"Governor Whitmer and I spoke to Patrick Lyoya's family. They are feeling the deep pain that too many have felt, a terrible loss in a moment that feels all too sickeningly familiar. His father Peter described his son as a generous and caring man whom he wants to be remembered peacefully. Patrick was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a proud member of the Grand Rapids community who enjoyed sharing fellowship and culture with those around him.
"I am heartbroken by what we all have witnessed as a father, public servant, and a Black man. People are frustrated and hurting—searching for answers. Black people in Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and across the country are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted from generations of struggle. Yet we press on. When we demonstrate and make our voices heard, we must do so in a way that lifts our call for justice beyond the deepening the pain of this community. We must never cease our efforts to reverse inequities, create systemic change, and guarantee justice for communities of color. We must recommit ourselves, through our words and deeds, to working together to build a more perfect union and a Michigan with equality and justice for all, where every interaction within our community, especially those with law enforcement, end with everyone able to return home to their families without harm.
"It is critical now to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to achieve justice, deliver accountability, and understand what happened, for Patrick Lyoya's family as expeditiously as possible."
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