Tag: TRump

Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Civil Immunity for Police Amid Schurr Trial

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

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.

“Picket the Plaza” Draws Crowds to Calder Plaza in Protest of Trump Policies

Grand Rapids, MI — Hundreds of voices rang out across Calder Plaza on Saturday afternoon April 20, 2025 as demonstrators gathered for “Picket the Plaza,” a protest against the Trump administration and what many described as a troubling direction for the country. The event, part of a nationwide day of action, drew people from all walks of life to downtown Grand Rapids in a unified call for justice, accountability, and the protection of civil rights.

Beginning with a powerful visual display, protesters lined bridges over Grand Rapids’ highways at noon, holding signs and waving to honking cars below. After an hour of peaceful bridge demonstrations, the crowd convened at Calder Plaza where the energy only grew louder.

Messages of hope, frustration, and resistance filled the air, with signs bearing slogans like “Make love more contagious than measles,” “Disarm DOGE,” and “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.” The chants echoed through the city blocks: “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “Trans rights are human rights.”

“I care about everybody,” said protester Dee Jones, eyes filled with determination. “There’s a lot of injustice, inequities, and unethical things happening not just globally, but right here in the U.S. I’m sad. I’m disappointed. I’m angry. But I can do something. I can lead, and that’s why I’m here.”

Speakers took the stage to voice deep concern over President Trump’s influence and the direction of the Republican Party. Organizer Karen Dunnam didn’t mince words: “What’s going on in the Trump regime is not normal. It needs to be stopped, adjusted, rearranged—made palatable.”

Many attendees admitted it was their first time protesting, driven by what they see as an urgent need for action. Fear of rising authoritarianism and threats to democratic norms brought them out of their homes and into the streets.

From the bridges to the plaza, from chants to speeches, the message was clear: silence is not an option. As many people boldly declared, “It’s not the time to stay home—it’s time to take action.”

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.”

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.