GVSU students protest shooting

ALLENDALE, Mich (WOOD) - Grand Valley State University students held two protests on the Allendale campus Friday to express their outrage over an officer-involved shooting of a classmate.

A sheriff's deputy shot Derek Copp, 20, Wednesday night when authorities entered his off-campus apartment to perform a drug raid. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department said Copp was unarmed, and has not commented on why the deputy shot Copp.

"We demand to know what went on and why our friend is in the hospital," GVSU student Fermin Valle told 24 Hour News 8.

Students gathered in a "free speech" area of campus to voice their concerns. They shouted phrases like "Marijuana or not, our friend was unjustly shot." And "Smoke pot, get shot."

Some students didn't get involved in the protest but came to watch. They said they are waiting for more information to make their judgment.

"We don't know if he might have reached in his pocket or what happened. So, just because he wasn't armed doesn't mean he didn't do something to make them fire a shot," Eric Snook said.

Among the protesters' demands is a statement from GVSU.

"We're like they are," said Mary Eileen Lyon, a GVSU spokesperson. "We need to wait and get the results from the Michigan State Police. This is not our police investigation. It did happen off campus. We have complete concern for all of our students."

State police said their investigation continues. The officer that fired the gunshot has been with the department for 12 years and is currently on paid administrative leave.

Students say they will continue to voice their demands for answers and will protest at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department at noon on March 16.