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Protestors shut down GR City Commissioners meeting

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City of Grand Rapids

Activists again take over Grand Rapids City Hall after a similar scene two weeks ago.

For the second time in a row, protestors Tuesday forced the Grand Rapids City Commissioners meeting to shut down early.

The demonstrators were there once again, demanding justice for Congolese refugee Patrick Lyoya, who died after being shot in the back of the head by Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr.

The meeting began to unravel however, when Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss turned off the microphone during the public comment meeting every time a speaker used a curse word, something she had warned would happen before comment period began.

“I told you derogatory comments or offensive language and I am turning your mic off,” Bliss said. "I'm not turning the mic on if you cannot refrain from cursing."

Frustrations then carried on outside of city hall, where two people were involved in an altercation. Police confirmed Wednesday morning an arrest had been made as video captured one woman being taking away in handcuffs Tuesday night.

While protests over Patrick Lyoya’s death continue, still no word so far from the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office on whether charges will be filled against Officer Shurr. A representative for Kent County told WGVU Tuesday that officer Chris Becker is still reviewing the evidence.

I’m Daniel Boothe.

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