What began as a peaceful Grand Rapids protest over national issues of police brutality ended in fires, looting, smashed windows and extensive damage in downtown Grand Rapids.
Several parked police cruisers were set on fire at one point, causing large booms as gas erupted.
The initial protest, like many others across the nation, recognized the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck. Demonstrators began a march about 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30. But by 8 p.m., hundreds of people had gathered on two sides of the Grand Rapids police station on Monroe Center NW and began shouting chants such as “no justice, no peace," and “hands up, don’t shoot.” Several protesters stood toe-to-toe with police, now donned in riot gear, and shouted at officers.
At some point, some people began smashing windows. It seemed to embolden others to join in.