Responses to the mistrial of ex-cop Schurr who killed Patrick Lyoya – Part I

It has been an intense few weeks in Grand Rapids, especially since the trial for former GRPD cop Chris Schurr began, after Schurr shot and killed Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop. 

To put into proper context, on May 5th I wrote an article with the headline, As the jury prepares to render their decision in the Schurr trial, why is there so little attention around police killing civilians and cop convictions? In that post, I referred to the site mappingpoliceviolence.org and noted on May 5th that police in the US have killed 387 people in 2025. I checked the mappingpoliceviolence.org site again today and the number of people killed by police in the US has risen to 403, which means 16 people have been killed by police in the US in just one week. 

Today’s post is the first installment in a 3 Part series. I want to provide responses to the mistrial of Schurr from those who are supportive of/sympathetic to the Lyoya family (Part II), and I want to talk about an abolitionist response (Part III). Today, in Part I, I want to look at pro-police and pro-policing responses in the mistrial of former cop Chris Schurr. 

Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge of Michigan released a statement on May 8th, which said:  

Today’s outcome in the trial of Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr—a hung jury—highlights the deep complexities surrounding this case and the difficult position law enforcement officers face when forced to make split-second decisions in high-stress situations.

This result reflects the reality that reasonable people can and do disagree when evaluating an officer’s actions under extreme pressure. Officer Schurr responded according to his training during a rapidly escalating encounter. The inability of the jury to reach a unanimous decision underscores the uncertainty and controversy surrounding the charges brought against him.

We continue to believe the prosecution of Officer Schurr, initiated by Prosecutor Becker, was unjust and driven more by public pressure than a fair assessment of law and evidence. These types of politically charged prosecutions risk discouraging proactive policing and jeopardize public and officer safety alike.

We stand with Officer Schurr and all law enforcement professionals who serve with integrity under incredibly difficult circumstances. As the case moves forward, we urge the public and judicial system to remain committed to fairness, due process, and an understanding of the realities of police work.

This statement is exactly what you would expect from the Fraternal Order of Police, siding with one of their own, never mentioning Patrick Lyoya and babbling on about how stressful it is to be a cop.

• The Grand Rapids Police Department has been silent on the matter and haven’t even made a post on social media since April 19.
• The Grand Rapids Police Officer’s Association did not make their own statement, they just reposted the FOP statement.
• The local police apologist groups, Voice for the Badge and iCI Nation, were also silent on the matter.

However, maybe the most insulting message that was released in recent days, came from the City of Grand Rapids on May 8th.   I will put the City’s statement in italics and provide some of my own responses on bold.

Today, the trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr concluded without the jury reaching a unanimous verdict regarding the death of Patrick Lyoya. Consequently, the court has declared a mistrial in this case.

We acknowledge the considerable time and effort the jurors dedicated to carefully consider the evidence and testimony presented during this complex and difficult trial. We thank them for their civic service.

We understand that the inability to reach a verdict brings continued uncertainty and pain, most significantly for the Lyoya family, who have already endured so much. We also recognize this lack of resolution is difficult for our entire community and extends the period of uncertainty for Mr. Schurr as well. If the city wants to talk about the pain for the Lyoya family, then why have they fought the family’s civil lawsuit for the killing of their son. 

The next steps in this legal matter will be determined by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, which has the authority to decide whether to retry the case.

The City of Grand Rapids remains focused on its commitment to public safety, internal accountability based on our established policies, and the continuation of our ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening community trust and ensuring accountable constitutional policing. We also recognize the challenging and often dangerous nature of police work, and we appreciate the dedication of the many GRPD officers who serve our city with professionalism and integrity every day. Professionalism my ass. Since the Schurr trial began on April 28th, the GRPD arrested an local BIPOC activist that has been speaking out against Patrick Lyoya’s death at the hands of the GRPD, threats, intimidation and civil infractions against Movimiento Cosecha and GR Rapid Response to ICE,  the arrest of another Black activist while the jury deliberated and another arrest and police violence directed at someone in a wheelchair during the May 8th rally.march demanding a retrial in the murder of Patrick Lyoya. 

City services are operating normally, and maintaining peace and safety throughout Grand Rapids is paramount. We urge the community to remain patient while the legal process unfolds and to express any reactions peacefully and respectfully. To help community members process this court decision, we invite them to connect with The Wisdom Center. It will provide mental health support today and tomorrow. The Wisdom Center, 1333 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, will have licensed therapists available from 3 to 8 p.m. to offer free mental health support for those in the community. When the City of Grand Rapids tells the community to be peaceful and respectful, they really mean that the public should be compliant and obedient. Also, The Wisdom Center that the City of Grand Rapids is plugging here at the end provides “Biblically-based principles” in their counseling….because of course they do. 

Lastly, the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability has said nothing, which is par for the course for their role in holding the GRPD accountable.

In Part II, I will look at responses to the mistrial of Schurr from those who are supportive of/sympathetic to the Lyoya family.