Featured photo: Teka Aleema was one family member who took part in a recent protest for 17-year-old Rayvon Shahid
Written by Tanya Terry, with photo courtesy of Teka Aleema
A peaceful protest for 17-year-old Rayvon Shahid was held outside the Flint’s Michigan State Police post on Saturday, November 9.
Shahid was shot and killed by Michigan State troopers around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, near the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and Pasadena Avenue.
According to the Michigan State Police, the teenager had “contact” with them, ran when confronted and was then shot and killed. A loaded pistol was recovered from the scene of the tragic shooting, and police said they told the teen to drop the gun at least seven times before shooting him.
MSP had not released any body camera or surveillance video of the tragic shooting by publication time.
Family and friends said they hope that the protest will help in their quest to demand justice for Shahid.
“This is so tragic, and what the family wants is transparency,” stated activist Arthur Woodson. “They want to know what happened. And just being human, when you get inconsistency, when you get different stories – you want to know what truly happened.”
Woodson said if Shahid had a gun, “it was still an overkill” because he was shot six times in the back and one time in the back of the head – in addition to being tased. Woodson added he was in the military, where rules of engagement state: Do not fire unless fired upon.
“A 17-year-old child was murdered, and he’s not the first one. It’s just that it’s here, in the city of Flint now,” Woodson added.
He said transparency and justice should come automatically.
Family members also spoke at the protest, asking for prayers. They said they were hurting because their loved one was going to the store – and ended up being shot a total of ten times.
Police said an investigation is taking place and is being led by the The Michigan State Police Second District Special Investigation Unit.
Reports are to be forwarded the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to decide whether to file charges.
The Michigan Sate Police 2nd District Special Investigation Unit and Michigan State Police Crime Lab, who responded to the scene, are conducting an investigation, which is still open at this time.
Troopers who were involved have been placed on administration leave. The department posted on X that this is the standard protocol.
No trooper injuries or other injuries were reported.
Funeral services for Shahid were held at on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church, in Flint, with Pastor Alvin Bradford officiating.
