DETROIT – Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with killed George Floyd. After more than 100 days of protest over the summer in cities across Metro Detroit, activists said their work is far from done. “This is how we stand up in defense of our lives,” Wallace said. Activists said they’re prepared too. READ: Detroit Protests
DETROIT – Derek Chauvin will stand trial for the death of George Floyd Monday. There are concerns that the verdict in the trial could spark violence or protests. “The need to be the forces that de-escalated conflict and stop being a force that implements inequality,” said Tristan Taylor, with Detroit Will Breathe. “We want justice for George Floyd and if we don’t get it, we expect an explosion that happened last summer to happen again,” Taylor said. READ: Detroit Protests“We support peaceful protests, but when individuals embedded within peaceful protesters opt to engage in criminal behavior, then we will address that,” Craig said.
DETROIT – The Detroit Police Department is making moves to strengthen its relationship with the community amid a difficult and unsteady year. The department is creating a new office aimed at bringing together officers and citizens following local and national unrest over police brutality and racism. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has credited the relationship that the city has with its police department for the largely peaceful protests and interactions with protesters. Violence at Detroit protests included police deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and arresting numerous demonstrators. “This office will expand both the internal operations of officer support, and external efforts of procedural justice and policing legitimacy through community engagement,” Craig said.
DETROIT Elected officials from the federal, state and local level sent a letter Wednesday to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James Craig and the Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) calling for an independent investigation into use of force by Detroit police against protesters. The letter was signed by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Michigan Sen. Stephanie Chang, Detroit City Council President Pro Temp Mary Sheffield (District 5) and City Councilor Raquel Castaeda-Lpez (District 6). In addition to a duty to intervene when other officers are using excessive force, officers cannot use chokeholds or fire a weapon from moving vehicles. A lawsuit was filed by Detroit Will Breathe and 14 individuals, seeking a temporary restraining order enjoining the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department from using certain tactics. They alleged that police responded to protests with excessive force and violated their first and fourth amendment rights.
DETROIT – Saturday’s march in Detroit isn’t just the 100th day of protesting, it’s also the first demonstration since a federal judge gave Detroit Will Breathe a temporary restraining order that forbid police from using teargas or batons on the peaceful protesters. At least 500 people were on the move Saturday in what they called a celebration of the judge’s ruling. The group celebrated with a silver balloon outside Detroit Police Headquarters where, just two weeks ago, DPD fired teargas and made arrests to disperse a crowd. Federal judge Laurie Michelson viewed teargas and batons as excessive force and Detroit Will Breathe leader, Tristan Taylor, views the decision as a partial victory. RELATED: Judge temporarily bars Detroit police from using certain tactics against protesters
Demonstrators celebrate federal judge’s ruling on 100th day of protesting in DetroitPublished: September 5, 2020, 11:11 pmSaturday’s march in Detroit isn’t just the 100th day of protesting, it’s also the first demonstration since a federal judge gave Detroit Will Breathe a temporary restraining order that forbid police from using teargas or batons on the peaceful protesters.
Through the initiative, 41 people have been reportedly charged with federal offenses in Detroit, including narcotics-related and firearms-related offenses. Authorities say that as of August 31, Operation Legend has led to the arrests of more than 2,000 people -- with 476 of them charged with federal offenses -- in participating cities nationwide. One of the groups organized protests against Operation Legend turned violent, leaving a number of protesters injured or in custody. Operation Legend is also currently active in St. Louis, Memphis and Indianapolis as of August. Click here to read the latest report on Operation Legend arrests and indictments made in participating cities.
DETROIT The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners announced new rules for police officers, one of which includes no more chokeholds. The changes come 10 days after 44 violent arrests of protesters in Detroit. I just remember this dush, dush, dush of them kneeing my hand. In addition to a duty to intervene when other officers are using excessive force, officers cannot use chokeholds or fire a weapon from moving vehicles. I dont think they care about the rules, Naya said.
DETROIT – More than 40 protesters were taken into custody Saturday night as they blocked off Woodward Avenue between John R. Street and Grand River Avenue. About 100 people gathered on Woodward Avenue in a protest against “Operation Legend” -- an initiative established to address increasing gun and gang violence in cities across the U.S., including in Detroit. The group Detroit Will Breathe has expressed their opposition to the initiative, which brings additional federal agents to Detroit and other participating U.S. cities. Saturday night’s protest in Downtown Detroit went smoothly, for the most part, until about midnight. A Detroit Police Department spokesperson said half of the people arrested were not from the city of Detroit.
DETROIT There has been a lot going on in Detroit over the last couple of months, from COVID, protests, to now the string of violence. Chief Craig said they are handling it all, but he has to be honest, its a lot. Eight whole weeks, said Chief James Craig with Detroit Police. READ: Detroit ProtestsThats how many weeks there have been of nightly protests against police brutality. No they come out of the neighborhood police stations.Larry: Chief Craig, Having the adequate resources to mandate these protests and the crime thats going on here in Detroit, is that stretching your resources?
DETROIT U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy federal agents to cities across the country, including Detroit, amid ongoing national protests. It is deeply disturbing that President Trump is once again choosing to spread hateful rhetoric and attempting to suppress the voices of those he doesnt agree with. There is no reason for the president to send federal troops into a city where people are demanding change peacefully and respectfully. In Portland, theyve done a fantastic job. MORE: Federal agents, local streets: A red flag in Oregon
DETROIT Nearly a dozen arrests of people protesting in-person summer school allegedly disrupted the bus schedule on Thursday. It led to some students caught in the rain and a 9-year-old girl left alone for more than a half an hour in a west side neighborhood. In order to get to her school Taylor Davis is picked up near her home and minutes later transfers to another bus at Dixon Elementary. Davis was left stranded and stood in the rain for almost 40 minutes, alone. READ: Police arrest 11 in protest blocking school buses in DetroitWatch the video above for the full report
DETROIT Nearly a dozen protesters were arrested for blocking school buses from picking up children for summer school classes on Thursday in Detroit. Protesters were blocking buses at a yard in the 12600 block of Westwood Street near Evergreen Road and I-96 on the citys west side. All this following an attempt to block driver from busing children to school in the midst of the pandemic. In-person summer school is being offered at 25 facilities. After the arrests, school buses were able to leave the bus garage to go pick up kids for summer school.
DETROIT Police announced Sunday they have launched an investigation into the use of a choke hold on a protester. The investigation was in response of a photo of Detroit Will Breathe organizer Nakia Wallace being restrained with a chokehold Friday. Three officers took me to the ground and after I was already on the ground one, of them put me in a choke hold, Wallace recalled. William Meeko Williams was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer. The organization will hold a protest Monday outside the Detroit Detention Center to continue to call for his release.
Hakim Littleton’s older brother, Rashad Littleton-Schaefer, spoke out against what he calls a crime before a group of protesters organized by Detroit Will Breathe. “I want Chief James Craig to stop lying because he’s not making any sense. Police chief James Craig spoke on the matter Saturday morning where it was stated that he still stands behind his officers and their decision to pull the trigger. It certainly was a threat to that of his own life and that of his partners,” said Chief James Craig. “I really wanna meet with James Craig, the mayor of Detroit by next week.
Brother of Hakim Littleton wants meeting with Detroit city officials after deadly shootingPublished: July 11, 2020, 11:14 pmThe brother of Hakim Littleton said he wants to meet with Detroit mayor Mike Duggan and police chief James Craig.
DETROIT – Protests in response to a fatal officer-involved shooting Friday resulted in the arrests of eight people. People gathered at the site hours after 20-year-old Hakim Littleton was shot and killed on Detroit’s west side. During a Friday evening press conference, the Detroit Police Department released body camera footage of the incident to combat rumors on social media that police killed an unarmed teenager. Detroit Will Breathe released a statement Saturday criticizing Detroit police’s decision to have officers in riot gear in response to demonstrators who marched Friday. Detroit Will Breathe said it should be standard that footage of officer-involved shootings be released the day of the incident, as well as the names and records of officers involved.
Protesters call for Detroit officer who drove through crowd to be fired, face chargesPublished: June 29, 2020, 11:12 pmA group of about 300 protesters marched on Monday night, calling for the Detroit police officer who drove through a crowd of protesters to be fired and to face charges.
DETROIT A group of about 300 protesters marched on Monday night, calling for the Detroit police officer who drove through a crowd of protesters to be fired and to face charges. They also want Detroit police Chief James Craig to resign after hearing his explanation of the video from Sunday night. Protesters said when the officer drove through the crowd people were almost killed. READ: Detroit police chief: Officers who pushed through crowd in SUV feared for their safetyOn Monday night, protesters moved through southwest Detroit without incident for about three hours. No arrests were made on what is day 32 of protests against police brutality in Detroit.
DETROIT Detroit Police Chief James Craig says major cities have looked up to Detroit for its lack of looting and damage amid ongoing protests. That is -- until Sunday night, when protesters were pushed by a Detroit police vehicle during a demonstration Downtown. Our police cars were attacked; there was an effort to gain entry into at least one of them, Chief Craig said. Clearly the officers had a concern for their safety.MORE: Detroit police chief: Officers who pushed through crowd in SUV feared for their safetyThe police chief is standing by his officers, who will remain on duty throughout the investigation into the incident. Read more about Detroit protests here.
DETROIT A violent confrontation happened Sunday night on Detroits southwest side. Video from the scene captured a Detroit police SUV driving through a crowd, knocking several people to the ground. The video shows the police officer revving the engine, trying to get a protester off the vehicle before pressing on the gas and accelerating through the crowd. RELATED: Detroit mayor apologizes to journalists targeted by police while covering protestsOne protester said the officers actions validate the protests and said the Detroit police feels like they could do anything with impunity.Thats why we march, he said. The police feel like their badge gives them the authority to do harm and damage under any circumstances.Detroit police said they have started an investigation and are looking into the incident.
DETROIT Detroit police chief James Craig is holding a press conference on Monday to address an incident during a protest on Sunday night, where a police cruiser drove through a crowd. Watch the update live at 1 p.m. in the video player above. Video from the scene captured a Detroit police SUV driving through a crowd, knocking several people to the ground. The video shows the police officer revving the engine, trying to get a protester off the vehicle before pressing on the gas and accelerating through the crowd. RELATED: Detroit mayor apologizes to journalists targeted by police while covering protestsOne protester said the officers actions validate the protests and said the Detroit police feels like they could do anything with impunity.
DETROIT Police chief James Craig is launching an investigation after a Detroit police scout car pushed through a crowd of protesters as the rear window was busted out. READ: Video captures Detroit police SUV drive through crowd of protestersCraig said the protest on Sunday night was mainly peaceful, but also said there was a group of agitators intent on causing destruction. Craig said 25 to 30 of the demonstrators started to get agitated when they were redirected on the presumed route. It was at that point we believe the back windows were shattered out and they thought they were being fired upon, Craig said. Fortunately it appears that no one was substantially injured.Watch the video above for the full report.
DETROIT – Black Lives Matter marches continue across Metro Detroit on Saturday more than one month after a Minneapolis policeman killed George Floyd. Some protesters are marching all the way from Livonia to Lansing this weekend to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement amid national unrest. The group plans to stop in Brighton on Saturday night and Okemos on Sunday night, then continue their march to Lansing on Monday. The distance from Livonia to Lansing is just under 80 miles. We’re hoping we spark a change for the Black Lives Matter movement.”The group will hold a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol at 10 a.m. on Monday.
LANSING, Mich. For so many of the people whove taken to the streets and spoken up about racial inequality -- the ultimate goal is a more fair criminal justice system. A group of community leaders came forward Thursday to show their vision of what they believe that change should look like. The Interfaith Coalition For Criminal Justice Reform presented its policy change recommendations to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature. The Interfaith Coalition For Criminal Justice Reform is calling on Whitmer to use executive orders to make quick changes, and tell lawmakers to pass laws that show Michigan is serious about criminal justice reform.
DETROIT Police Chief James Craig apologized Thursday after a Farmington Hill man was arrested at his home for a crime he didnt commit. Williams was arrested after facial recognition software identified the wrong man. Craig said hes considering disciplinary action against his investigators who used facial recognition software to arrest Williams after someone else stole watches from a Shinola store. Craig said a 2019 triple-shooting at an LGTBQ+ party suspect was taken into custody using facial recognition software. RELATED: Facial recognition technology: Rep. Tlaib raises concerns during tour with Detroit police chief
The ACLU complaint said Detroit police unthinkingly relied on flawed and racist facial recognition technology without taking reasonable measures to verify the information being provided." DataWorks Plus, a South Carolina company that provides facial recognition technology to Detroit and the Michigan State Police, also couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Providers of police facial recognition systems often point to research showing they can be accurate when used properly under ideal conditions. Studies have also shown that face recognition systems don't perform equally across race, gender and age working best on white men and with potentially harmful consequences for others. Several cities, led by San Francisco last year, have banned use of facial recognition by municipal agencies.
DETROIT The controversy over the use of facial recognition technology continues after a Farmington Hill man was arrested at his home for a crime he didnt commit. They claim he was arrested based off of facial recognition software. READ: A closer look at facial recognition technologyAll of the photos had two things in common, said Williams Attorney, Victoria Burton-Harris. They were all Black faces and men.Once the cops identified Mr. Williams using facial recognition technology, said Phil Mayor with the ACLU of Michigan. The family is demanding a public apology and for the DPD to scrap its use of facial recognition software.
DETROIT Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy spoke to Local 4 Defenders after a Farmington Hill man was arrested at his home for a crime he didnt commit. He was arrested after facial recognition software identified the wrong man. She said the case brought by Detroit police was based only on the departments use of facial recognition technology. I am 100% sure they arrested the wrong person.It was issued by a prosecutor that shouldnt have, Worthy said. RELATED: Facial recognition technology: Rep. Tlaib raises concerns during tour with Detroit police chiefThis never should have happened.
At President Donald Trumps rally Saturday in Tulsa, the president took aim at Detroit and blamed city officials for the citys crime rates. He said he wants to see more accountability from city leaders after the presidents national jab at Detroit. For this to make it to reach the White House, for President Donald Trump speaking out about the failing leadership in Detroit? Burton asked. What does that tell you?Burton said he doesnt outright agree with the presidents condemnation of city Democrats, but said Detroit leadership needs to be held accountable. Where is the transparency?Those were some of the questions raised by protesters Saturday during a public tribunal for Detroit leadership.
DETROIT There was a mock trial held in the middle of Downtown Detroit on Saturday. The Amphitheater at Hart Plaza became a courtroom of sorts, the leaders of the city were on trial. Protesters didnt march, no chants, just a couple hundred people met at Hart Plaza, quietly for a Public Tribunal against Detroit Police Chief James Craig and Mayor Mike Duggan. I respect the right of the protesters tonight to express their views on recent events, said Tristan Taylor with Detroit Will Breathe. Police Chief James E. CraigDetroit Police DepartmentClick here to read more about protests in Detroit.
DETROIT Customs and Border Patrol is pushing back against claims the agencys air and marine arm used drones to surveil protesters during Detroits recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The letter claimed specifically unmanned predator drones were flown by CBP over Detroit, Minneapolis and San Antonio to capture video of protests and protesters. Our U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Predator aircraft did not fly over Detroit at anytime during the protests, CBP spokesman Mark Grogan said in a statement. Neither of the aircraft in Detroit were predator drones, which were only flown over Minneapolis for roughly two hours. CBPs support in communities and cities nationwide is to protect innocent Americans and help ensure safe and peaceful protests.
DETROIT A public tribunal was held Saturday by on day 23 of protesting against police brutality. Protesters said theyre planning to question Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Police Chief James Craig about the police brutality they said theyve experienced. Chief Craig has often repeated that his officers only used tear gas and riot gear after they were provoked by protesters. Detroit protests have remained peaceful for weeks. Defund the police: What it means and why activists are calling for itClick here to read more about protests in Detroit.
DETROIT As protesters took to the streets, U.S. Customs and Border Protection took to the skies -- flying drones over marches in Detroit, according to members of Congress. READ: Black Lives Matter protest interrupted in Taylor when woman drives through crowdSome members of Congress said predator drones were used to collect and disseminate live video feeds over protests in multiple states. Members of congress also said private data from cell phones and license plates were captured. Agencies, like CBP, are allowed to use drones to monitor within 100 miles of an international border. Drones and spy planes were also used over the protests in Buffalo, San Antonio and Washington DC.
DETROIT – Protesters are picketing the homes of Detroit City Council members, asking them to vote down the expansion of facial recognition technology in the city. Facial recognition has been has been a hot topic along with the backlash against Detroit’s Project Green Light cameras. READ: Detroit business owner disagrees with protesters’ demand to end Project Green LightThe group, Detroit Will Breathe, is one of the main protest groups who take to the streets of Detroit on a nightly basis. Their demands include to defund the Detroit Police Department, starting with eliminating the use of facial recognition technology. 'Defund the police’: What it means and why activists are calling for itThe technology is approved by the Board of Police Commissioners.
DETROIT Demonstrators across Metro Detroit called for change Sunday in the third straight weekend of protests. Protests against police brutality, racial injustice and marches to honor the memory of George Floyd were held in Detroit, Dearborn, Warren, Ann Arbor and more. 'Defund the police: What it means and why activists are calling for itIn Detroit, protesters returned to the DPD headquarters. Protesters gathered in front of the Harper Woods Police Department at 2 p.m. in a peaceful protest. The Pontiac United March took place at Pontiac City Hall.
DETROIT There have been 15 days of protests in Detroit. About a couple of hundred people met at Detroit Police Department first, but before marching, organizers with Detroit Will Breathe announced an addition to their growing demands. Detroit Will Breathe is holding a public Tribunal next Saturday, said Nakia Wallace with Detroit Will Breathe. Organizers Nakia Wallace and Tristian Taylor tell Local 4, they plan on putting both Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Police Chief James Craig on trial next Saturday. RELATED: A look at the Detroit Police Departments guidelines on forceI think its going to be really important for people who were protesting against police brutality to talk about their experiences with their engagement with Detroit Police, said Tristian Taylor with Detroit Will Breathe.
DETROIT At the heart of the protests have been calls to change policing to end police brutality and while the Detroit Police Department has improved over the years, activists fighting against excessive force claim there are still serious issues within the department. As protests continue into their third week, questions have been raised about how Detroit police use force and whether it should be changed. RELATED: Demonstrators return to Metro Detroit for third weekend of protestsInside DPDs guidance, less lethal force -- like tear gas or rubber bullets -- can be used to protect an officer during an arrest or stop potentially criminal behavior. Any use of force is supposed to be reported to and investigated by a supervisor. According to the most recent data from the city of Detroit, more than 3,400 complaints were made against DPD officers.
DETROIT Protesters returned to Downtown Detroit after a two-day break in front of the DPD headquarters Saturday. The hiatus was to allow demonstrators to refocus, re-energize and give the protesters who have been out every single day a break. READ: Detroit protest leaders list 11 demands ahead of meeting with mayor, police chiefDuggan said there would no longer be an 8 p.m. curfew as long as the protests remain peaceful. It was the third weekend protesters met in Downtown Detroit to honor the memory of George Floyd. Hosted by two Detroit High School students and a teacher, the goal was to get teenagers together to speak out against racial inequality.
DETROIT Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will host a news briefing at 3 p.m. Thursday to discuss resources available for salons, barbershops and other businesses reopening Monday amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mayor Duggan previously established an 8 p.m. curfew for Detroit when protests became chaotic Downtown over one week ago. Detroit protests have since remained peaceful. Detroit transportation employees were concerned about unsafe working conditions and the spread of COVID-19. READ MORE: Reopening Michigan amid the COVID-19 pandemic
DETROIT Its the newest song from Detroit rapper and teacher Steven Banks. He named the song Black Lives in honor of George Floyd and black men and women everywhere, It just seems, like the title was fitting, from one of the lines in the song and whats going on right now, said Banks. 34-year old Steven Banks is not just a rappers, but a local history teacher. He said the Black Lives Matter movement is a beautiful thing and he wanted to express that in a creative way, Musically, I wanted to use that voice as I had the opportunity. But he said as a black man and teacher, he wants to show his students that being black is powerful and their lives matter, I think of me as a black man.
DETROIT – On the 12th night of protests in Detroit there was some dissension in the ranks. READ: Detroit protest leaders list 11 demands ahead of meeting with mayor, police chiefEarlier in the day, Tristan Taylor and his co-organizers met with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit police Chief James Craig. Joanna Underwood, an activist who has organized other protests around Metro Detroit, accused Taylor of trying to run the agenda for every protester in the state and shutting her and others out of the meeting with city leaders. During the protest, demonstrators heard from veteran Detroit activists who gave emotional speeches. Watch the video above for the full report.
The idea behind Project Green Light is to use cameras linked to police to keep the community safe. 2 was to end Project Green Light. Now there are Project Green Light cameras all over the city. Beydoun said hes seen an increase in business because of Project Green Light. It will be up to them if Project Green Light continues or is shut down, Beydoun said.
DETROIT Protesters met in Downtown Detroit on Wednesday, for the 13th day in a row, to honor the memory of George Floyd. His death sparked protests against police violence and racial injustice across the country. Due to weather the protest in Detroit ended early. Protest organizers also said that the demonstrations will be paused for two days and return on Saturday. READ: Detroit protests: 12th night of demonstrations takes place after organizers meet with local officials
DETROIT – Protest organizers met with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and police chief James Craig on Tuesday to present them with their list of demands. The protest group has marched in the city for the last 11 days. Tristan Taylor is an organizer of the group “Detroit Will Breathe." They had a closed doors meeting with Duggan and Craig where they shared their list of 24 demands. READ: Detroit protest leaders list 11 demands ahead of meeting with mayor, police chief
Protest organizers to meet with Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, police chief James CraigPublished: June 8, 2020, 11:15 pmSince the killing of George Floyd, demonstrators have been gathering in Metro Detroit and across the country to protest social injustice and police brutality.
DETROIT Around the country Americans are demanding change following the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a Minneapolis police officer. Americans are now marching and protesting for a second consecutive week to demand justice for Floyd and countless other Black Americans killed by police officers. Activists are calling for more than just justice, though -- they are calling for tangible change to prevent these tragedies from occurring in the future. Below are some resources to help explain what those demands entail and their significance amid the current national unrest. Policing alternative: Community-led public safety initiativesAdvocates believe that a new approach to public safety is necessary to ensure the safety of all American lives -- especially Black Americans who are disproportionately arrested, sentenced and killed by police around the country.
DETROIT Since the killing of George Floyd, demonstrators have been gathering in Metro Detroit and across the country to protest social injustice and police brutality. Floyd, a Black Minneapolis man, was killed on May 25 by a police officer that knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and laying on the ground. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder. Other officers involved have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. READ: Former Detroit police chief says Minneapolis Police Department has some serious problemsDetroit has officially done away with its curfew.
