DETROIT – A news conference was held Monday by residents calling for "justice" in the wake of two incidents involving Michigan State Police.
The first incident resulted in the death of Damon Grimes, 15, who was riding his ATV when he was struck by a Taser fired by a trooper. He crashed the ATV and died.
The second incident was a controversial Facebook post from the head of Michigan State Police, who shared a post that called NFL players who protest the national anthem "degenerates."
Protesters said they are planning a march at Michigan State Police headquarters. They're calling for justice and a new culture for the department.
"We want to see the racism and discrimination gone from the Michigan State Police Department," said Rev. W.J. Rideout III, of All God's People Church.
The news conference targeted the trooper who allegedly used a Taser on the 15-year-old Detroit boy.
"We are tired of the racial insensitivity," said David Alexander Bullock, of Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church. "We want justice for Grimes."
The group also called for the resignation of Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue for posting the meme to her Facebook page. The post called the NFL players kneeling for racial injustices "Anti-American degenerates."
"That kind of language from the head of Michigan State Police really colors the culture of that law enforcement agency," Bullock said.
Now the group is planning to march on the grounds of the Michigan State Police headquarters, demanding justice.
"They all should be charged, from the sergeant on down," Rideout said. "We want her to resign because her statement shows she's just like the man that pulled the Taser."
The group is expected to meet at MSP headquarters in Dimondale around 2 p.m. next Monday. They are also providing transportation from Bethany Baptist Church at 15122 Chicago W. in Detroit. The bus will leave at noon. Secured parking is offered at the church.