Benton Harbor riots

The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA has had two major riots.

1966

On August 30, 1966, residents rioted for six days, and a black 18-year-old named Cecil Hunt was killed by white men in a drive-by shooting. The men were arrested but later freed. Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard, who stood down on September 5.[1][2]

2003

In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor demonstrated for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by a police officer, crashed into a building and died. Many Benton Harbor residents came out to see what was going on. As many as 300 state troopers and law enforcement personnel from neighboring communities were called to Benton Harbor.[2][3][4][5][6]

Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit in 2005.

Other years

Benton Harbor also experienced rioting in 1960, 1967, and 1990.[2]

See also

References
  1. History of the Michigan National Guard: The Tumultuous 1960s: Benton Harbor, 1966, State of Michigan website.
  2. Ast, William F. III (2003-06-19). "Violence brings back bad memories for some". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  3. "Rain, curfew help bring quiet night to Benton Harbor". CNN. 2003-06-19. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  4. Hartzell, Ted (2003-06-17). "House burned, police vehicles vandalized during Benton Harbor riot". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  5. Ast, William F. III; Michael Eliasohn (2003-06-18). "Second night of violence leaves at least 15 injured in Benton Harbor". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  6. Aiken, Scott (2003-06-19). "Huge police presence, rain keep rioters off the streets". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.


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