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Residents call for action after alleged racist downtown attack; council proclaims June Pride Month
Summary
Residents asked the city and Human Relations Commission to investigate an alleged racially motivated attack on a downtown merchant; the council also presented and placed a Pride Month proclamation on the consent agenda for adoption. Public safety said suspects have been identified and the criminal justice process will proceed.
During the first call to the audience on June 1, Jane Stoker (54 Crescent Hill) read a letter signed by a group of concerned citizens describing an incident on May 24 in which a downtown merchant identified in the letter as "Murthy" was reportedly stolen from, vandalized and verbally attacked with racial slurs. The letter asked the Downtown Development Authority, city council and Human Relations Commission to "look deeper into this problem and make a public statement in opposition to racism and violence" and to initiate actions to address racism in Grand Haven.
Tim Stoker (identified in the meeting as Jane Stoker's husband) echoed the plea and framed the request in civic terms, saying the city's pledge of allegiance promises "justice for all" and urging the Human Relations Commission and council to investigate the pattern of incidents and respond publicly.
Separately, John Simeon, a member of the Human Relations Commission and former Grand Haven Pride co‑chair, presented a Pride Month proclamation that the council placed on the consent agenda. The proclamation declares June 2026 as Pride Month for Grand Haven, acknowledges the Grand Haven Pride Festival (scheduled June 3), and directs the city to place the word "pride" on the city welcome sign at Washington and Fifth as an expression of inclusion.
Chief Nicole Hudson (public safety director) provided a brief update during council reports, saying the police are aware of the incident, have identified subjects, and will allow the criminal justice process to proceed. She said the department is committing to additional directed patrols downtown and emphasized the city's commitment to investigating thoroughly and fostering an inclusive community.
Councilmembers publicly condemned racism and urged residents to report incidents; the Pride proclamation subsequently was approved on the consent agenda as read into the record.
What happens next: The Human Relations Commission and public safety staff were urged to continue investigation and community outreach; criminal proceedings, if brought, will be handled through normal justice channels.
