According to Patrick Lyoya’s family and allies, the 26-year-old Black man was “executed” by police after officials in the US state of Michigan released video evidence showing an officer shooting Lyoya in the head while he was face down on the ground.

A traffic check in Grand Rapids, Michigan (approximately 240 kilometres from Detroit) resulted in Lyoya’s death on April 4, when he was fatally shot. His family is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Peter Lyoya, Lyoya’s father, said he never anticipated his oldest son would be slain by a police officer in the United States during a press conference on Thursday. “My heart was torn when I viewed the footage,” he stated via a translator.

“My life has come to an end right now. Peter Lyoya told reporters that his son, Patrick, was the centre of his life.

His heart was torn when he saw the footage of his kid’s death by a police officer. “It’s hard to believe that my son was slaughtered like an animal by this police officer,” the father said. “I’m pleading with you for fairness. “I’m pleading for Patrick’s sake.”

Anti-police brutality demonstrations have been staged in the United States after the death of Lyoya, who was shot and killed by a police officer. That same year, an officer shot and killed another unarmed Black man during a routine arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A passenger in Lyoya’s vehicle filmed vital videotape of the deadly shot, which Grand Rapids police released on Wednesday, citing a need for openness.

“What did I do?” Lyoya wonders, as the officer demands his driver’s licence and tells him to get back in his car on an icy wet night.

After being pulled over for driving without the proper licence plate, Lyoya can be seen sprinting away from the police. Officer Lyoya repeatedly ordered Lyoya to “let go” of his Taser as they fought outside various residences.

Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated on Wednesday that the Taser battle that took place in Grand Rapids lasted around 90 seconds. The cop was on top of Lyoya in the dying seconds, kneeling on his back to restrain him at times.

“According to what I saw in the video, the Taser was used twice. “The Taser did not make contact,” Winstrom said. Moreover, Mr. Lyoya was shot in the head. There is, however, no further information to go on.

US human rights lawyer Ben Crump claimed Thursday’s press briefing demonstrated a “unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force.” It’s as though you’re seeing a routine traffic stop turn into a bloody execution.

By murdering Lyoya and destroying the family’s hearts, the officer “made his young children orphans,” said Crump. The family is requesting that authorities bring charges against the officer “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As his mother and father have claimed, this is an execution, as the video clearly demonstrates.” As a result, “there’s no way to spin it or rationalise it,” he said. It is for this reason that we are requesting accountability on behalf of Patrick.

The officer involved in the incident has been put on administrative leave and the Michigan State Police has been called to investigate by Grand Rapids police authorities.

The Kent County prosecutor’s office said to a news channel on Wednesday that after the investigation is complete, they will decide whether or not to press charges.

Brenda Lawrence, a Democratic congresswoman from Michigan, called for “complete responsibility and openness” on Wednesday.

“We are all too acquainted with this injustice for Black Americans in Michigan and around the nation.” Another march isn’t necessary just now. Another hashtag isn’t necessary. Thoughts and prayers are not required. She emphasised the need of moving forward with concrete steps in a statement.

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