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April 24, 2017

Grand Rapids Police Under Fire for Stopping Young Black Boys at Gunpoint
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In Michigan, the Grand Rapids Police Department is under fire after
video surfaced showing police officers detaining a group of
12-to-14-year-old unarmed African-American boys at gunpoint, forcing
them to lie on the pavement as the boys sobbed and said they didn't want
to die.

Police Officer: "Get on the ground! Keep your hands out!"

Boy 1: "What did we do?"

Police Officer: "Hey! Come over here! Keep your hands where I can see
them, and get on the ground!"

Boy 1: "But what did I do?

Police Officer: "Get on the ground!"

Boy 2: "Get down!"

Boys: "[crying] What did we do?"

Police Officer: "We'll give you directions, OK?"

Boy 1: "I do not want to die!"

"I do not want to die"-the words of one of the African-American boys who
were stopped at gunpoint by Grand Rapids police officers Friday, while
the boys were returning from playing basketball.


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