GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Michigan National Guard was activated Sunday at the request of Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to support the city after protests turned violent Saturday night. Protestors moved through Grand Rapids later Saturday night and into Sunday morning, setting fires, smashing windows and looting after a day of peaceful protests. READ: Grand Rapids clean-up underway after night of fiery protestsOfficials say guard members will support civil authorities to maintain peace and repair property damage in Grand Rapids. The Michigan National Guard is already assisting with humanitarian efforts in communities across the state. We welcome the Michigan National Guard as an additional partner to increase our public safety preparedness as issues evolve.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Protests in Grand Rapids turned violent Saturday night amid statewide and national demonstrations calling out police brutality and racism. Protestors moved through Grand Rapids later Saturday night and into Sunday morning, setting fires, smashing windows and looting after a day of peaceful protests. Heavy damage was reported throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and many others tweeted videos and photos of volunteers cleaning up the downtown area on Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/aFqgwMWJ4H — Rosalynn Bliss (@mayorbliss) May 31, 2020Clean up efforts continue in downtown Grand Rapids near Rosa Parks Circle.