EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 13, 2024 — State Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) issued the following statement after video footage was released showing the killing of Samuel Sterling on April 17:
“I am horrified, saddened and outraged after viewing the videos released on Friday of the incident involving an MSP trooper that led to the death of Samuel Sterling last month. I feel the pain of our West Michigan community. My heart goes out to Mr. Sterling’s family and his loved ones. I cannot imagine the anguish they are reliving as they witness the difficult last moments of their son’s life. Please, hold the family in your hearts.
“I wish to thank MSP Col. James Grady II for his thorough, prompt and professional investigation of the incident. This morning, the final MSP investigative report was forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General. I have the utmost confidence that Attorney General Dana Nessel and her office will examine the incident and make a thoughtful determination on whether criminal charges should be issued. I share Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s expectation that the trooper’s employment should be terminated if criminal charges are issued.
“I have received a briefing from the MSP and will continue to work for justice in this case and find ways to prevent future loss of life.”
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