GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Police are seeking photos, videos and other evidence related to the weekend riot that broke out after a protest march against police brutality.
The city remains under a 7 p.m. curfew that ends at 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 2.
Peaceful protesters are arrested for refusing to abide by the curfew at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss issued a 7 p.m. curfew Sunday, May 31, after a night of rioting downtown. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com
Vandals looted downtown Grand Rapids, damaging 100 businesses and destroying seven patrol cars late Saturday, May 30, into the early morning. Rioters brazenly smashed windows and damaged property while others recorded events on cellphones.
Grand Rapids police have asked anyone who can provide evidence or information to go a portal to download photos or videos.
Seven people were arrested during the mayhem but police Chief Eric Payne said others would be identified and face charges. He said that photos of those who committed crimes would be shared online to identify them.
“We thank the community for the tips, evidence, and videos that have been pouring in since (Saturday) evening,” the Police Department said on its Facebook page.
"If you have information about criminal activity during (Saturday) night’s events, particularly suspects’ identities, an online portal has been provided so you may share your digital information, such as videos and pictures, with the GRPD directly.”
The death of a black man, George Floyd, who died while pinned to the ground under an ex-Minneapolis police officer’s knee, set off protests across the U.S., including Detroit and Lansing, which, like Grand Rapids, set curfews after unrest.
Read more:
Rioters had ‘different mindsets’ than marchers at peaceful protest
Police brutality protests in Michigan: What you need to know from this weekend’s rallies, riots
Downtown Grand Rapids quiet under curfew after night of rioting