The man shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police officer will be laid to rest Friday morning.
Patrick Lyoya’s funeral was going to be held at Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids at 11 a.m.
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton will give the eulogy.
The family’s attorney Ben Crump and Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack were also expected to speak at the service.
Patrick Lyoya was shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer after a struggle during a traffic stop on April 4th.
Since GRPD released a video of the shooting last week, several protests have been held in Grand Rapids.
On Thursday, the Black Lives Matter Michigan group rallied in support of Lyoya’s family in Lansing.
Protestors marched to the capitol saying they want the officer to be held accountable for Lyoya’s death and offering their condolences to the family.
“I think you know, a lot of times we get to the point where we get desensitized from being in these marches and these rallies, just seeing another brother just being killed in the streets, this is overwhelming,” said Dewaun E. Robinson, president of the Flint chapter of Black Lives Matter. “I think folks are tired and the Lyoya family is hurt and I just want to say a peace and love to them and their family.”
Lyoya’s father, Peter Lyoya also attended the march.
The Lyoya family is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lyoya spoke through a translator and described his son as quiet and hardworking.
He said it was heartbreaking to see the video of the officer killing his son.
“I believe and I have faith that justice will be served,” said Peter Lyoya. “I will bury my son, I will say goodbye so he can go in a peaceful way.”
The funeral service was open to the public. Masks were required for entry.
