Rally – Media Works of John Rothwell

Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Civil Immunity for Police Amid Schurr Trial

Grand Rapids, MI -As former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr stands trial for second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a Michigan state lawmaker is pushing for new legislation that would shield police officers from civil lawsuits when cleared of criminal wrongdoing in self-defense incidents.

State Representative James DeSana, R-Carleton, held a press conference Monday morning, April 28, in front of the Kent County Courthouse to unveil House Bill 4404. The proposed legislation would create a presumption of civil immunity for individuals—especially law enforcement officers—who use force in self-defense and are found not guilty or not charged in criminal court.

Schurr is accused of fatally shooting 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya, a Congolese immigrant, during a traffic stop that escalated into a physical struggle over the officer’s Taser. Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head while on top of him.

“This officer does not deserve what is happening to him today,” DeSana said during the announcement. “We are here to stand with him and every police officer in the state of Michigan.”

Bill Would Shift Burden in Civil Cases

Under current Michigan law, even if a person is cleared of criminal charges, they can still be sued in civil court. House Bill 4404 aims to reverse that presumption by shifting the burden of proof onto the plaintiff.

“It will make Michigan self-defense protections among the strongest in the nation,” said DeSana. “House Bill 4404 fixes the current system by creating a presumption of civil immunity after a favorable criminal outcome.”

The bill also promises full recovery of legal costs for defendants found immune—including attorney fees, court costs, and lost wages. It further expands protections to include threatened use of force, which current laws do not clearly address.

Catholic Teaching Cited

In a unique turn, DeSana cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church to defend Schurr’s actions. He pointed to Articles 2263, 2264, and 2265, which describe self-defense as both morally legitimate and, in some cases, a grave duty—especially for those tasked with protecting others.

“These exact circumstances existed for Officer Christopher Schurr,” DeSana said. “A person didn’t comply with an officer’s repeated orders, engaged the officer violently, and tried to take his Taser. This is not the result any of us want, but self-defense in such cases is morally justified.”

DeSana also recounted advice given in his own concealed pistol license class, where police officers instruct civilians to aim for the center of mass and eliminate the threat when faced with imminent danger.

Schurr Supporters Speak Out

DeSana was joined by Adam de Angeli, founder of the Coalition to Rescue Michigan. De Angeli strongly criticized the prosecution of Schurr and questioned why the case had advanced to trial at all.

“Christopher Schurr is an innocent man, and the video evidence proves it,” de Angeli said. “Patrick Lyoya disobeyed every command the officer gave, fought him hand-to-hand, and attempted to take his Taser—a deadly weapon in unlawful hands.”

He warned that the prosecution could have a chilling effect on law enforcement officers across Michigan.

“Every police officer in Michigan will pay the price for this,” he said. “They’ll fear that using their own weapon in self-defense might destroy their career and life. That’s a public safety concern for every citizen.”

Public Reaction Mixed

About a dozen supporters, many holding “Back the Blue” flags, gathered alongside DeSana during the press conference. Afterward, they lined the sidewalk outside the courthouse to show support for Schurr. Some passing drivers honked in solidarity, while others voiced their opposition.

The case continues to polarize the Grand Rapids community. Many civil rights advocates view the shooting as unjustified and argue that Lyoya, who was unarmed, should not have been met with lethal force. They are also deeply concerned about the proposed legislation.

“This bill would create a legal shield that lets bad actors in law enforcement avoid consequences,” said one protester outside the courthouse. “If you can’t sue, even when the system fails to convict, what recourse is left for victims and their families?”

What Comes Next

House Bill 4404 has not yet been formally introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives, and it remains to be seen how much legislative support it will garner. DeSana and his allies say the bill is a necessary step to protect officers who put themselves in harm’s way. Critics argue that it could erode public trust in law enforcement and eliminate a crucial check on the use of force.

As Schurr’s trial continues, House Bill 4404 is certain to add fuel to the broader state and national debates around policing, self-defense, and civil rights.

Protesters Demand Justice for Patrick Lyoya Ahead of Officer’s Murder Trial

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “Justice for Patrick” on Sunday as more than 100 protesters gathered in a show of solidarity ahead of a long-awaited murder trial.

Demonstrators rallied outside the Kent County Courthouse to honor Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant who was fatally shot by former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr in 2022. After nearly three years of court delays and public outcry, Schurr’s second-degree murder trial is set to begin Monday morning.

Lyoya was killed during a traffic stop on the city’s southeast side when Schurr pulled him over for a mismatched license plate. After a brief foot chase and a struggle over a Taser, Schurr who is white shot Lyoya — who was unarmed — in the back of the head.

Sunday’s protest was organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Speakers included Ivan Diaz, a former Kent County commissioner now running for the Michigan Senate, and Robert Womack, a current county commissioner.

“Convicting Schurr will be a victory for Patrick’s family, but the fight doesn’t end there,” said Sam Tunningley, a leader with the organizing group. “Justice means reforming a system that allows this to happen.”

Protesters also remembered other recent tragedies involving local law enforcement, including the deaths of Riley Doggett and Samuel Sterling. The community’s frustration was palpable, with many voicing concerns that justice continues to be delayed or denied for marginalized groups.

“If it can happen to Patrick, it can happen to any of us,” Diaz warned, criticizing rhetoric that blames victims for their own deaths.

After the rally, the group marched through downtown, stopping in front of the Grand Rapids Police Department and chanting, “No justice, no peace! Justice for Patrick!” Many in the crowd expressed demands not only for justice in Lyoya’s case but for broader systemic change.

As Schurr’s trial begins, protesters vow to keep up the pressure — not just for a conviction, but for meaningful reform.

Demonstrations are set to continue Monday morning, with protesters gathering in front of the courthouse as opening statements get underway.

A separate rally is also planned at 8:30 a.m. at Calder Plaza where State Representative James DeSana (R-Carleton) will introduced a bill that would grant police officers expanded “qualified immunity,” potentially shielding them from lawsuits — a move that critics say would make achieving justice in cases like Lyoya’s even harder.

Community Gathers in Grand Rapids for Trans Day of Visibility Rally

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — April 6, 2025 — A diverse crowd gathered Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids for the “Protest For Progress: Trans Day of Visibility Rally.” The event aimed to shine a light on the lives and experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals, and to call for increased visibility, protection, and understanding in a time of growing political tension.

The rally featured speeches from community members, activists, and advocates, many of whom spoke passionately about the challenges facing trans individuals in the current political climate. The central theme throughout the afternoon was clear: trans people are here, they are real, and they deserve to live openly and without fear.

One speaker captured the spirit of the day in a powerful spoken word-style message:
“We are vast like an open sea and lonely like an elegy. We are visibility. We are more than we appear, more than objects in your mirror. We are alive and we are here. We are real and we are queer.”

Attendees emphasized that Trans Day of Visibility is not just a celebration, but also a call to action. “We’re here to be visible. We’re here to be seen,” said another speaker. “And we’re here to look at the world and say: trans people are real, and you will absolutely never bully us out of existence.”

Organizers and participants voiced concern about what they view as a growing wave of anti-trans legislation across the United States. According to multiple advocacy groups, dozens of states have introduced bills in recent years that would restrict healthcare access, participation in public life, and legal recognition for transgender individuals.

While the rally primarily focused on trans rights, some speakers connected the struggle to broader global and domestic issues. References were made to the plight of civilians in Gaza, challenges faced by immigrants, and violence against women worldwide—highlighting a shared resistance to what speakers described as “systems of oppression.”

One participant remarked, “We can only fight transphobia by fighting against racism, sexism, and all the other forms of oppression. Likewise, we can only fight oppression, ultimately, by uniting our movements.”

Following the speeches, demonstrators lined Fulton Street in front of the park, waving LGBTQ+ flags and holding handmade signs with slogans such as “Protect Trans Youth,” “Celebrate Trans Lives,” “Trans is beautiful” and “Trans Rights Are Human Rights.” Chants echoed across downtown as passing drivers honked in solidarity.

Sunday’s rally was a visible and vocal display of support for transgender rights in Grand Rapids, reinforcing the belief among many attendees that showing up and speaking out remains more important than ever.

The event concluded peacefully, with attendees encouraging one another to stay active, stay hopeful, and stay visible.

Thousands Rally in Lansing Against Trump-Musk “Power Grab”

LANSING, Mi. — April 5, 2025 — Today in Lansing, the lawn of Michigan’s Capitol transformed into a sea of handmade signs, booming chants, and collective outrage. Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Saturday as part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” protest against what organizers call a “billionaire power grab” by President Donald Trump and his top adviser, Elon Musk.

The protest was just one of over 50 rallies held across the state—including in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo—making it Michigan’s largest coordinated political action of the year. And maybe the biggest anti-Trump turnout in his second term so far.

“This isn’t just about politics,” said former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow from the Capitol steps. “It’s about defending democracy and standing up for the people who keep this country running.”

She wasn’t alone. Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and Attorney General Dana Nessel also took the mic, calling out what they described as dangerous federal rollbacks under Musk’s new role in the Trump administration.

Wait—Elon Musk in government? Yep. Earlier this year, Trump appointed Musk as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Since then, that department has slashed thousands of federal jobs, closed Social Security offices, and gutted funding for housing, education, and health programs. The administration calls it “streamlining.” Protesters call it what it looks like: privatization on steroids.

“Elon Musk doesn’t belong anywhere near our government,” said Tina Rivera, a protester from Flint. “He’s trying to run the country like a startup. Real people are getting hurt.”

Many protesters carried signs that read:

“Hands Off Our Future”
- “86 47“
“Resist”
Impeach Trump
Deport Musk

From retirees to high school students, union members to immigrant rights activists, the crowd was diverse—and united.

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist pulled no punches: “This isn’t efficiency. It’s erasure. Erasing jobs. Erasing safety nets. Erasing our voices.”

And while much of the focus was on federal cuts, speakers also sounded alarms about new tariffs threatening Michigan’s manufacturing industry, and the chilling effect on public education funding.

Many protesters feel that “Elon Musk is making massive decisions about our lives—and no one elected him.Chanting That’s not democracy. That’s corporate control.”

The protest was organized by the grassroots 50501 Movement, in coalition with over 200 national and local organizations. And according to spokesperson Maya Jordan, this isn’t the end. “People are angry, they’re awake, and they’re ready. Today was just the beginning.”

As the rally wound down, chants of “Hands off our future!” echoed across the Capitol lawn. And from the energy in the crowd, it’s clear: this movement isn’t backing down.

“This isn’t a one-time thing,” Several people told me. “We’re going to keep showing up, because this government is supposed to work for us—not the billionaires.”

Hundreds Rally in Grand Rapids for Human Rights

Marcher line up to take to the streets of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “¡Sí se puede!” and “Aquí estamos” on the afternoon of Saturday, February 1, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the Stand Up & Fight Back rally. Organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (GRAARPR), the rally aimed to highlight issues impacting marginalized communities under the current administration, particularly immigrant rights and Palestinian lives.

The demonstration began at Fountain Street Church, where local organizers and community leaders addressed the crowd before leading a march through downtown. Protesters held signs high and voiced their concerns over policies they believe disproportionately affect immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.

Among the marchers was Marianna Silva, who attended the rally in honor of her immigrant parents. “My parents are immigrants, but it’s okay. They’re out here making the world better for me,” Silva said. “It actually makes my heart bigger. It makes my heart melt. There are so many people out here who have immigrant parents, and they’re standing in solidarity. That’s how it should always be.”

Yasmin Montoya echoed that sentiment, saying she was marching to be a voice for her parents. “I want to be their voice, since they really can’t use theirs as much as they’d like to. I’m here to advocate for them and for our community,” Montoya said. “It’s a blessing to see so many people coming together to support one another.”

For Sherlyn A., the event was an emotional experience shared across borders. “My parents came to this country legally, and they work hard every day,” she said. “I was just on FaceTime with my dad, showing him all the people who came out to support. He looked like he wanted to cry.”

The rally brought together over a dozen organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, and GR Rapid Response to ICE. Organizers emphasized the importance of unity among different movements fighting for justice.

“We have to stand in solidarity with all these different movements,” said Julian Cortez of GRAARPR. “We’ve already seen a lot of executive orders, and we see the direction this administration wants to take the country. We are standing here to say we are not going to take it.”

Cortez highlighted that the fight is far from over. “We are here standing in solidarity with the Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ community, with Palestinians, with Black lives, and with workers’ rights. This is only the beginning.”

Saturday’s rally marked the first large-scale protest in Grand Rapids since the new administration took office, but organizers made it clear it would not be the last.

“We cannot let fear make us apathetic,” one organizer told the crowd. “Let’s make 2025 the people’s year.”

As the marchers returned to Fountain Street Church, the energy remained high, with many attendees discussing ways to stay involved and continue the fight for human rights. With the momentum gained from this event, activists in Grand Rapids are making it clear: they are ready to stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for change.

Transgender Unity Rally Draws Hundreds to Michigan Capitol Amid Executive Order Concerns

LANSING, MI – A powerful display of transgender solidarity unfolded at the Michigan State Capitol on Thursday as more than 200 people gathered to voice their concerns over recent executive orders by President Donald Trump. The rally, organized by the Transgender Unity Coalition, was one of nine held nationwide to protest policies that activists say threaten the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.

Concerns Over Executive Orders

The executive orders in question include measures that cut federal support for gender-affirming health care, limit legal recognition of gender identities beyond male and female, and restrict transgender individuals from serving in the military. Rally leader Mallory Fournier spoke passionately about the fear and uncertainty these policies have created within the transgender community.

“We’re concerned for our access to health care. We’re concerned for our existence in society,” said Fournier. “If the federal government isn’t there to protect us and is actively trying to erase us, then some of our transgender siblings won’t be able to make it with us.”

Photos from the Rally

The rally featured signs with messages of support, pride flags waving in the wind, and powerful moments captured on the steps of the Michigan Capitol.

Testimonies from the Community

The rally featured a series of speeches from transgender individuals and their allies. Many shared personal stories about how the executive orders could affect their lives. Alexandra Hulscher, a volunteer with the advocacy group Trans Unity, emphasized the importance of feeling seen and supported.

“When you wake up in the morning feeling like yourself, you want to stay that way,” Hulscher said, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of restrictive policies.

Taylor Bumgardner, another speaker, stressed the life-or-death importance of gender-affirming health care.

“I think access to gender-affirming care is literally life or death,” said Bumgardner. “It’s impossible to live uncomfortably in your own body, and that’s why everyone should have the right to exist as they are.”

Waabano Mandosking, who traveled from Sault Ste. Marie to attend, drew on her Indigenous heritage for strength.

“As a trans person and also an Indigenous person, it doesn’t feel good obviously,” Mandosking said. “I just keep reminding myself my ancestors persevered through worse administrations, and we survived.”

A Clash of Views

The rally was not without opposition. A small group of counter protesters, including members of Turning Point USA’s Michigan State University chapter, voiced support for the executive orders. Alex Bitzan, the group’s president, defended the federal government’s position.

“The idea that people can just be whatever they want to be without having to be accountable to objective reality is a fundamentally harmful one,” Bitzan said.

Tensions flared at moments, but the rally remained largely peaceful, with the transgender rights activists maintaining their focus on unity and resilience.

Political and Community Support

State representatives Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) were among those in attendance, showing support for the transgender community. Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) also addressed the crowd, recalling her role in amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

“We see you. We love you. We are protecting you,” said Brixie. “Do not give up. Engage, participate, join us, help us. You matter.”

The rally took place just two days after President Trump signed an executive order cutting federal support for gender-affirming care for minors. The move has sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that denying health care to transgender youth is cruel and harmful.

A Long History of Struggle

Among the speakers was Grace Bacon, 84, widely regarded as the mother of Michigan’s transgender community. She founded Crossroads in 1977, the state’s first transgender support group. Bacon urged attendees to remain strong in the face of adversity.

“We’re being picked on, and we’ve been picked on, and it’s not gonna let up,” said Bacon. “Trump’s emboldened a lot of hatred toward all of us. And we’re all targets. But for the rest of you, you’re gonna come out of this eventually, and I hope we all do. We’re here to stay. We’re here; we’re queer; we’re gonna stay here.”

Hope and Resilience

Danny Jones, a nonbinary attendee, shared a deeply personal reflection on choosing hope over bitterness.

“It would have been so easy to walk through that door and to become bitter and cynical, but I don’t want to go through that door,” said Jones. “Hope is a choice. It’s something we can feed. It’s something we can put those logs on the fire and keep alive. And we can do that for each other.”

The rally closed with chants of solidarity and messages of perseverance. Organizers emphasized that this gathering was just the beginning of a continued effort to advocate for transgender rights and push back against restrictive policies.

“I hope that people know that there is a community,” Fournier said. “We’re here, we’re organizing, and we’re doing our best to combat any legislation that tries to erase us. Because we exist. We will still exist. And together, we can make it through this.”

The Transgender Unity Coalition confirmed that similar rallies were held Thursday in California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The national effort aimed to unite the transgender community, assert their presence, and demand justice from elected officials.

As the sun set on the Capitol, one message remained clear: the fight for transgender rights is far from over, but the community remains steadfast in its determination to exist, resist, and thrive.

Thousands attend Trump Vance Campaign in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Thousands of supporters of former United States president Donald Trump crowded the streets of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan arena district on Saturday July 20, 2024 waiting for the doors to open to attend Trump’s first campaign since announcing running mate JD Vance, a senator from Ohio. The campaign rally also took place one week after an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler PA.

The lengthy line to get into the event was close to two miles long at one point. As people waited the excited crowd remanded peaceful and chants of TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! and USA! USA! USA! Could be heard echoing in between the buildings on the streets.

Many people attending had their own reasons for attending the rally, but all wanted to see Donald J Trump a man that they consider the savior of America.

Paul Teatro of Holland, Michigan just wanted to see Trump.

“We, you know, we’ve been inspired by everything that’s happened to him. And we obviously believe that he’s the only chance we have to turn the country around,” Teatro Said. “Trump’s the only guy that could stand up against all the resistance that he gets, think about eight years of just going after him relentlessly in the press, everywhere. And here he is still standing still with his chin out saying, we’re going to turn this thing around. So who else could do that?”

When asked about what policies attracts him to Trump Teatro said,” What policy attracts you? Oh, there’s a whole slew of them. I think what he did with the economy was incredible. What he did with securing the border was also incredible. No wars. You know, being energy independent. You know, all those things, I think are and you know, the thing that always gets me as you listen to you turn on the TV and you hear these people, Trump’s gonna kill democracy as like, hang on kids. Trump was our president for four years, and it was everything in our country was better than it is today. So pick, pick it, pick a category. It’s better today than it was. It’s better when Trump was president than it is today.”

Aaron Staeven of Newago, Michigan was also there to show his support of Trump Staeven said he is worried about the economy and immigration.

“Our current administration and Democrat Party is just destroying the whole economy by mandating electric vehicles, no gas stoves, things like that. Some of the core principles our country works around on the we live off these items and they’re trying to delete them,” Staeven said, “And as far as the immigration if we can’t allow millions of millions of undocumented immigrants, that many of them do not support the economy they they’re not able to fill decent positions are a drain on our social systems.”

Arriving late Hedi Newton of Jenison, Michigan sat across the street from the arena knowing that there was no way that she was getting into to see Trump. Yet she still wanted to show her support.

Newton was a die hard Obama fan said, “. I think it was weird because I really liked him and he kind of brought our country together. But then I realized that we were falling apart. And since I’ve seen the Democratic Party come into fruition, they’ve done nothing for us.”

When I asked Newton about reproductive rights her eyes began to tear up as she said. “Thank you for asking. It means a lot to me. I actually had two abortions in my life. I don’t agree with that it’s bad, not okay. Makes me sick what I did. I vote for Trump all the way because he is with Jesus Christ.

The issues of immigration, border security and the economy were the two main issues people that brought up the most. The colors of red, white and blue along with the red MEGA “Make America Great Again” Hats brought them together.