The state’s capital and two largest cities issued curfews Sunday in response to riots over the weekend that saw police cars set on fire, the windows of numerous businesses smashed and protesters square off against armored police officers.
In Detroit and Grand Rapids, city leaders announced temporary curfews early Sunday after having weathered long nights of riots that overshadowed earlier peaceful protests against police brutality.
Related: Peaceful protest in Grand Rapids devolves into riot, looting and fires
The curfews, as well as a forceful police response in Detroit, appeared to have an effect on subduing further property damage during and after demonstrations in the state’s largest cities Sunday.
In Lansing, the curfew was put into place late in the day Sunday, as protests began getting out of hand. A car was flipped over and windows broken out of a downtown bank, but activity in the state capital seemed to wane later in the evening.
The Michigan National Guard were called in to offer support for cities, should they need the reinforcements.
The protests are part of continued nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd. Floyd, 46, died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on Floyd’s neck for several minutes May 25.
Chauvin and three other officers have since been fired. Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
What follows are some of the highlights from weekend in Michigan filled with speeches, marches and, in some cases, violent confrontations and destruction:
Grand Rapids
Members of the Michigan National Guard assemble Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss issued a curfew for 7 p.m. Sunday after a night of protests. (Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)AP
As midnight approached, the newly instituted curfew in Grand Rapids appeared to be effective in preventing a repeat of Saturday night’s events. Apart from a half dozen people staging a sit-down protest arrested for violating curfew, downtown was almost entirely empty.
Related: Downtown Grand Rapids quiet under curfew after night of rioting
Earlier in the day, the downtown was abuzz with people cleaning up the debris and extensive damage from the night before. Still others were boarding up windows in apparent anticipation of a second wave of destruction.
Outside downtown, streets were similarly empty, with some liquor stores, pharmacies and stores like Meijer closing early.
Michigan National Guard vehicles and guardsmen, requested by Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to enforce the curfew law and protect property, were seen gathered at a city facility near the edge of downtown Sunday.
Detroit
Detroit police fire tear gas at protesters during the third day of protesting police brutality and justice for George Floyd Sunday May 31, 2020. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com
In Detroit's third night of protests, police quickly and forcefully imposed the city's 8 p.m. curfew.
After asking a crowd of several hundred protesters gathered outside police headquarters to disperse in accordance with the new curfew, Detroit police officers deployed tear gas, rushed and tackled the protesters and arrested numerous people.
Related: Detroit police clash with protesters in third night of George Floyd police brutality demonstrations
A crowd that reformed afterward had begun walking in the roadway and chanting when police converged and scattered them.
Downtown Detroit was quiet later Sunday evening, save for some small groups, and apparently not the target of further looting or vandalism.
Muskegon
Hundreds of people came out for peaceful protests outside the Muskegon county building, 990 Terrace Street, on Sunday, May 31. They held signs and chanted the name of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minnesota, while cars on Apple Avenue honked their horns in support. (Anya van Wagtendonk | MLive.com)
Hundreds of people marched Sunday outside the county building in Muskegon chanting “Black lives matter," “No justice, no peace," and — echoing Floyd’s final words — “I can’t breathe.”
Muskegon County Sheriff Michael Poulin told the crowd he supported them, and told them his agency was there to serve them.
Related: Hundreds gather in Muskegon to march for racial justice
“Do not let one criminal act define all of us,” he said, to cheers. “We are better than this as a law enforcement family, and we’re better than this as a community.”
Earlier in the day, at least 100 people and 25 local pastors gathered in Hackley Park to pray for racial harmony and peace. Into the early evening hours, there were no signs of unrest.
Lansing
More than 1,000 people gather to honor George Floyd and protest police brutality in a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the state capitol in Lansing. (Jake May | MLive.com)The Flint Journal, MLive.com
Thousands of protesters gathered in Lansing Sunday afternoon for a peaceful demonstration against police brutality.
For nine minutes, hundreds of people laid on the ground and others stood silently with fists raised in memory of the duration that Floyd was detained on the ground with a knee on his neck.
Related: Thousands gather at Michigan Capitol for protest against police brutality
As nightfall grew closer, there were reports of protesters smashing business windows and flipping over a car, MLive media partner WLNS reported.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor ordered residents off city streets, instituting a curfew just after 9 p.m.
“The situation is unfolding quickly, and the police are present to help keep our city safe,” said Schor, who said the demonstration had turned “violent,” in a statement.
“I understand the frustration, the anger, and outrage, but I implore our residents to continue to demonstrate peacefully," he said.
Flint
More than 300 people gather to honor George Floyd and protest police brutality in a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, May 31, 2020 in Flint. (Jake May | MLive.com)The Flint Journal, MLive.com
More than 300 protesters marched across downtown Flint during a second night of demonstrations in the city.
One of the faces in the crowd was that of Genesee County Sheriff Deputy Deon Smith.
Related: Organizers call for seat at the table with police during second night of protests in Flint
“As a black officer, what I saw that day I was disgusted,” Smith said of Floyd’s death. “As a officer, period, I was disgusted. Justice needs to be served. As a police officer, you guys look to us as the ones that come in your communities and keep you safe.”
Protest organizer Johnie Franklin III said he wants black residents have more of a voice in area law enforcement.
“We want to have a conversation at the table. We want a seat at the table,” Franklin said. “We want to know what the heck is going on. We want to make some change.”