Statement for Patrick Lyoya 4/12/2022

Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old father, friend, son, and member of our community was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police Department officer on Monday, April 4, 2022.

We urge Mayor Rosalyn Bliss, City Manager Mark Washington, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom, and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, as well as others in systems of power to critically examine and address the system of policing that is rooted in white supremacy to prevent the significant and needless loss of Black and Brown lives. Additionally, we urge the release of the original, unedited video footage in its entirety, as well as all related information surrounding the incident. This request upholds the wishes of the Lyoya family regarding the events leading up to the murder of their son and brother. Patrick’s family deserves justice!

While we await the release of dashcam and body cam footage we stand steadfast in the belief that Black Lives Matter and change must come to prevent tragic and often avoidable outcomes such as those that occurred on April 4, 2022. To the Lyoya family, our immigrant and refugee community, we grieve alongside you and echo pleas for Justice for Patrick (Lyoya).