GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Detectives with the Grand Rapids Police Department are investigating vandalism incidents that they say targeted city commissioners' homes overnight.
Police say they are collecting evidence like surveillance camera footage and witness statements.
A 13 ON YOUR SIDE crew at the scene of a commissioner's home on Grand Rapids' northwest side reports the vandalism includes spray paint on the driveway reading "Abolish police" and "Defund GRPD".
There are also bricks on the property wrapped in newspaper articles covering Patrick Lyoya's death with the phrase "Blood is on your hands" written on it.
These incidents come after two consecutive City Commission meetings were cut short by activists protesting the GRPD shooting death of Patrick Lyoya last month.
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss issued a statement Tuesday about the vandalism:
"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. The challenges confronting our city require respectful engagement so that we can reach thoughtful solutions. Intentional vandalism is an empty response to the important issues we face."
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact GRPD at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org.
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