DR Congo Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of a Congolese national, describing it a “cowardly assassination”, since the victim wasn’t armed.
Protest march by members of the Grand Rapids community and others in downtown Grand Rapids reached day 5 on Saturday as they sought justice for the killing of Patrick Lyoya.
The tragic passing of Patrick Lyoya who was shot and killed by a white police officer, sparked outrage and condemnation from many people.
26-year-old Lyoya, whose family were said to have immigrated to the United States in 2014 while fleeing from war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was shot and killed on April 4 during a traffic stop in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Videos from the sad incident have been released by the US police, where the white police officer manhandled Lyoya before fatally shooting him in the head.
Protesters demanded for an immediate end to the constant killing of blacks by the police.
Lyoya’s death is among one too many others who have died at the hands of the police in the US, resulting in widespread protests to call for an end to the senseless killings of black people, as well as a reform.
The prosecutor, Chris Becker, said the public shouldn’t expect a quick decision. While the videos “are an important piece of evidence, they are not all of the evidence,” he said. “Our office has never made, and will not make, a decision based on partial evidence.” The Lyoya family wants the officer charged.