George Floyd Protests In Michigan: Reaction From Across The State

MICHIGAN — Like states across the country, Michigan saw protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died last week while in custody of Minneapolis police, took place late last week and throughout the weekend. It was also a state that saw police arrest hundreds during riots and also featured police standing with protesters in solidarity.

Meanwhile, the damage done in some protests by people rioting and damaging buildings and vehicles is still be assessed.

Questionable Use of Force?

Police use of force was questioned around the country, as officers shot tear gas at some protesters, drove through crowds of others with their vehicles and, in several documented instances, shoved protesters to the ground and used other physical force.

According to the Associated Press, a police officer in Salt Lake City shoved and knocked over an older man who was walking with a cane on a sidewalk near a protest. When someone went to help the man, the officer knocked them down as well.

A video showed two police vehicles driving into a crowd in New York, knocking protesters aside as they did, the Associated Press reported.

In Atlanta, two officers were fired and three others reassigned over excessive force during protests on Saturday, the Associated Press reported.

The Associated Press reported more than 4,400 people have been arrested in connection to protests and riots.

Some reports indicated that in Detroit, officers utilized rubber bullets and tear gas.

Standing in Solidarity

Chris Swanson, the sheriff of Michigan's Genesee County, captured national media attention for a speech he gave while standing with protesters in Flint.

The sheriff put his batons down and walked with protesters as they chanted, "Walk with us," according to reports.

"Let's go, let's go," Swanson said in an article by CNN. "Where do you want to walk? We'll walk all night."

Public officials took to Twitter to sound off on the protests. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a full statement on the social media platform.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalyn Bliss also used Twitter to speak to residents amid protests.

Damage Done by Riots

In Lansing, a Chase bank had its windows smashed as rioters broke into the facility Sunday night, according to reports.

According to WILX in Lansing, glass windows and doors were shattered and an ATM was vandalized as well.

The bank was just a few blocks away from where protesters overturned a vehicle, which later caught fire and sent smoke rising into the sky, WILX reported.

Reports also indicated protesters were throwing rocks at police vehicles in the area.

In Detroit, three police officers were hospitalized for injuries they suffered while policing riots and protests in the city. Reports were that one of them was released soon after, and all were expected to make a full recovery.