GVSU protest: incident 'unacceptable'

A second student protest over the shooting of an unarmed GVSU student took place at the Ottawa County jail Monday afternoon.

Derek Copp, 20, was shot in his apartment by an Ottawa County deputy on Wednesday. Investigators say they were executing a search warrant. Greg Hatt, the organizer of the protest, said he is a friend of Copp's and calls this incident "unacceptable. It puts a lot of hurt into my heart to know this happened."

24 hour news 8 spoke with the Ottawa county undersheriff, Greg Steigenga, who says they have not spoken directly with Derek Copp's family, but understand they want answers. Steigenga said the Ottawa County sheriff's department will conduct a full investigation once the Michigan state Police conclude their investigation.

Organizers plan to bring the protests to the streets of Grand Rapids later this week.

In an open letter to faculty, staff and students, GVSU president Thomas Haas wished Copp well. Haas wrote:

Last week the West Michigan Drug Enforcement Team, comprised of the Michigan State Police and Ottawa County Sheriff, conducted a search at an apartment in Georgetown Township, south of Grand Valley's main campus in Allendale. During this event, a Grand Valley student, Derek Copp of Spring Arbor, Michigan, was shot by one of the law enforcement officers.

The fact that this incident took place off-campus diminishes neither my interest nor my concern. The university's campus security staff was not involved. Like many of you, I await a full and complete explanation from law enforcement, and I have made a formal request for such information. I want to know what brought the Enforcement Team to Derek's apartment and why a firearm was discharged.

I want to wish Derek a complete recovery. My office has been in touch with Derek to offer any accommodation that may be needed in furtherance of his studies. As of today, Derek remains hospitalized in Grand Rapids.