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Community members clean, rebuild after night of destructive protests

This morning, the damage was met by community members ready to work together.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Following a night of violent protests in Grand Rapids, community members are coming together to clean up the city. 

A peaceful protest against police brutality in Grand Rapids at Rosa Parks Circle turned violent last night. 

When morning came, sunlight unveiled much destruction in the city, including broken windows, graffiti, burned objects and litter. 

This morning, the damage was met by community members ready to work together and rebuild.

In the early hours of Sunday, community members headed to the streets to start cleanup. Together, they are in the process of picking up glass, scrubbing building walls and cleaning up the inside of buildings. 

At 12:30 p.m., an event is planned at Rosa Parks Circle to further help the cleanup efforts. As of 8:30 a.m, 3.9K people were interested in the event. 

Ellis Parking is also offering free parking today for the clean up. Two lots will be open for volunteers one at 118 Lyon Street and another at  130 Lyon Street.  

The Grand Rapids Police Department issued a statement early Sunday morning, responding to the violence that erupted overnight.

"Our department is saddened by the events that have transpired downtown over the past 9 hours.  What started as a peaceful rally was distorted into senseless acts of vandalism and violence.  We know these pointless crimes do not represent who we are as a city," the statement read. 

GRPD said it will "work around the clock" to ensure everyone involved in criminal activity will be held accountable.

Clean up efforts in downtown Grand Rapids are underway, following a night of destructive protests.

Posted by 13 On Your Side on Sunday, May 31, 2020

If you have any photos or video evidence from the riots to submit to police, you can share them at this online portal. You can also submit tips to Silent Observer at 774-2345.

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