GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Bliss sent out a message on Twitter early Sunday morning after protests turned violent in the downtown area last night.
"The violence, chaos and destruction that replaced the peaceful protest are unacceptable," she said in a statement. "This does not represent who we are or Grand Rapids. We are a compassionate community that comes together to have hard conversations and solve tough issues."
The protest that preceded the evening's riots and looting was meant to be peaceful and allow people to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd .
Mayor Bliss thanked the police officers and the other agencies that assisted in public safety.
"I pray for unity in our city and across our country. And recognize that we have a lot of work to do as we continue to work together to build trust and strengthen relationships between our Police Department and community members," the statement said.
Sunday morning volunteers cleaned the dowtown area where several business had windows smashed out.
Daytime Damage: Aftermath of protest in Grand Rapids
The city is also calling on people to not gather in large groups Sunday, saying "While we appreciate those who are interested in joining organized volunteer clean-ups scheduled this afternoon, we respectfully ask that individuals not gather in large groups downtown today."
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.
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 reads.
GRPD said it will "work around the clock" to ensure everyone involved in criminal activity will be held accountable.
Other local lawmakers reacted to the violence on Twitter. Rep. Justin Amash asked for people to "not conflate" the protesters with the rioters and Rep. Bill Huizenga said the looting only "serves to hurt more families."
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