by: WOODTV.com staff
KALAMAZOO & GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Large crowds of demonstrators turned out in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids to protest police brutality Saturday. As of Saturday evening just before 9pm have been no reports of violence but there have been some tense moments.
Witnesses said protestors and police with riot gear faced off. It’s unclear what brought the officers out.
NEWS 8 reported that just after 8 p.m., some protesters were pushing against the Grand Rapids Police Department’s headquarters doors. However, it seems like that situation is somewhat deescalating.
Police said the Grand Rapids event was originally meant to be a silent march, but many people were chanting. Many streets were blocked to vehicles due to the crowd’s size.
Chief Eric Payne of GRPD briefly addressed the crowd outside of its headquarters.
Payne told the crowd, “I want to say that I hear you. I’ve heard you my whole career. Black lives matter."
GRPD officers are continuing to guard police headquarters, but they have not responded when demonstrators have shouted things to them.
Today's protests come after a large crowd gathered outside the Kalamazoo courthouse at noon Saturday to protest police brutality against minorities following the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck.
See more: WOODTV.COM/NEWS 8