Michigan officials have released the name of the police officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, an unarmed Black man, in the head during a traffic stop earlier this month.
Grand Rapids police chief Eric Winstrom named the officer who pulled the trigger as Christopher Schurr, after previously saying he would only release the officer’s identity if he was charged with a crime.
“In the interest of transparency, to reduce ongoing speculation, and to avoid any further confusion, I am confirming the name already publicly circulating — Christopher Schurr — as the officer involved in the April 4 officer-involved shooting,” Chief Winstrom said in a statement on Monday.
Previously, Michigan police have released video showing the 4 April encounter which led to the shooting.
The clips, including body-camera footage, show Lyoya exiting his car against officer instructions during a traffic stop.
Eventually, Lyoya tries to flee, and the officer tackles him, where the two grapple on the ground.
The video captures Mr Schurr commanding Lyoya to take his hands off the officer’s Taser, before the officer shoots Lyoya in the head at close range as he lies face-down on the ground.
Activists have consistently demanded officials release the identity of the officer.
“We want his name!” Justice advocate Al Sharpton said at Lyoya’s funeral last week.
The Independent has contacted Mr Schurr for comment.
The shooting is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police, who will forward their recommendations on to the Kent County prosecutor’s office for potential charges against Mr Schurr.
The officer is currently on paid leave, with his police powers suspended.
State officials have asked the Department of Justice and Michigan Attorney General’s office for assistance investigating the case, and the Grand Rapids PD at large.
The Lyoya family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014 to escape violence, and they were dismayed it found them anyway in the US at the hands of police.
“I’m very surprised and astonished,” Dorcas Lyoya, his mother, told The Detroit Free Press.
“What is so surprising,” she added, was that the police, who are “supposed to be protecting us is the one who shot my son. He’s supposed to be the protector of my family.”
