In a statement, police said that the GRPD “is aware of multiple instances of vandalism that occurred overnight targeting City Commissioners’ private residences.”
City officials say, graffiti that reads “Defund Police” or “abolish Police” were spray-painted on the sidewalk in front of Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss’s home and on Third Ward Commissioner Nathaniel Moody’s driveway,
While a brick that reads “blood on your hands” had been placed outside of the home of first ward city commissioner Jon O’Connor.
The vandalism comes on the heels of two consecutive city commissioners’ meetings shutting down early due to activists protesting the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya, the Congolese refugee shot in the back of the head by Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr on April 4th.
Both City Hall officials and Grand Rapids Police officials declined interview requests from WGVU. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss did issue this statement which reads (in-part)
"While I understand people's frustration and anger, acts of violence and vandalism doesn't get us to just outcomes," she said. "I’m disappointed in these most recent incidents of vandalism. Social activism is a valuable part of our democracy – but targeted vandalism designed to intimidate is not.”
So far, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office has not said whether or not it intends to charge Officer Schurr in the shooting.
