Residents, activists press Ypsilanti officials after video shows assault at Washington Street store

A video showing employees physically assaulting a Black woman outside a Washington Street store drew a sustained wave of public comment at the Ypsilanti City Council meeting, where residents and community organizers demanded faster investigations, new rules and charter changes, and expanded nonpolice responses for people with behavioral health needs.

The clip and subsequent public gatherings prompted dozens of residents to speak during a 45-minute public comment period. "This store has a long history of not being a safe place in the community," said Trisha Duckworth, who asked the council to pursue charter amendments that would let the city hold businesses accountable. "We need to hold this store accountable. They do not deserve to make money in our community anymore."

Community leaders pressed the council for a range of steps. Leah Mills Chapman, a local business owner and director of the nonprofit Women on the Move, said the video produced fear among Black women and called for "expedient investigations" by both civil and police…