Michigan: Protests after the death of an African American in a police operation in Michigan

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Protesters in Grand Rapids: Call for prosecution

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Cory Morse/AP

The death of a young African American man in a police operation in the US state of Michigan has sparked protests.

In the evening, dozens of demonstrators with banners that read “Black Lives Matter” gathered in the center of the 200,000-inhabitant city of Grand Rapids.

Some of the protesters shouted, "No justice, no peace."

Grand Rapids police earlier released four videos at a news conference of an April 4 police operation that killed 26-year-old African American man Patrick Lyoya.

One of the videos showed a white police officer lying on Lyoya's back – and apparently shooting the young man in the head.

Battle for stun guns

Almost two years ago, the agonizing death of African American George Floyd, recorded on a cell phone video, during a police operation in Minneapolis caused international outrage and triggered nationwide protests against racism and police violence in the United States.

The white police officer Derek Chauvin had the black man arrested because of an alleged counterfeit $ 20 bill pressed his knee on the neck for around nine and a half minutes, although the 46-year-old repeatedly complained that he could not breathe.

Floyd's lawsuit "I can't breathe" went around the world and became a motto of the anti-racism movement Black Lives Matter.

In the current case, the shot is said to have been preceded by a violent fight between the two men over the police officer's stun gun.

Lawyer for the dead man's family, Ben Crump, told ABC that Patrick Lyoya feared for his life during the inspection.

On behalf of his clients, he demanded that the policeman be “arrested and prosecuted”.

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said the officer who fired the fatal shot is currently on leave.

A police investigation is underway to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

The policeman spoke of a "tragedy".

"The loss of a life is sad under any circumstances, and I know it will have an impact on our city."

Apr/AFP