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Grand Rapids Mayor Clarifies Controversial Comments on Guns and Police K9s
LaGrand faced backlash after saying gun owners should be "ashamed" and he'd put down the K9 that bit a suspect.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand issued a Facebook post clarifying comments he made at a recent city commission meeting regarding gun ownership and the use of police K9 units. LaGrand had said gun owners should be "ashamed" and that he would put down the K9 that bit a suspect, Da'quain Johnson, who was later shot and killed by police. In his follow-up post, LaGrand acknowledged his comments were made in the "heat of the moment" and did not reflect official policy changes, but rather his personal frustration with gun violence in the city.
Why it matters
LaGrand's comments sparked outrage in the community and raised concerns about his stance on gun rights and the use of police K9 units. As mayor, his words carry significant weight, so clarifying his position is important to maintain trust and have a productive dialogue around these sensitive issues.
The details
At the city commission meeting, LaGrand spoke about the recent police shooting of Da'quain Johnson, who was bitten by a K9 unit before being killed by officers. LaGrand said gun owners should be "ashamed" and that if the K9 that bit Johnson was his, he'd put it down. In his follow-up Facebook post, LaGrand said his comments were an expression of "personal frustration and deep sorrow" over gun violence, not an indication of impending policy changes. He recognized the importance of police K9 units as a "less lethal option" for officers, though he viewed the situation "through the lens of a pet owner."
- On February 26, 2026, LaGrand made the controversial comments at a city commission meeting.
- On February 26, 2026, LaGrand issued a Facebook post clarifying his remarks.
The players
David LaGrand
The mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who made comments about gun owners and police K9 units that sparked backlash in the community.
Da'quain Johnson
A Grand Rapids resident who was shot and killed by police after being bitten by a police K9 unit.
Mark Washington
The Grand Rapids city manager, who was asked by the city commission to benchmark police practices in other communities.
What they’re saying
“We must be willing to confront the reality of gun violence in our city, and I hope we can move forward together to find solutions that keep our families safe.”
— David LaGrand, Mayor of Grand Rapids (Facebook)
“To be clear, ANY discussion about changing our operational policies must be done in close consultation with City Manager Mark Washington and also include public safety professionals and community member.”
— David LaGrand, Mayor of Grand Rapids (Facebook)
What’s next
The city commission has asked City Manager Mark Washington to benchmark police practices in other communities to ensure Grand Rapids' policies are among the best.
The takeaway
Mayor LaGrand's comments highlighted the ongoing tensions and complexities around gun violence, police tactics, and community trust in Grand Rapids. While his remarks were controversial, his effort to clarify his position and commit to a collaborative process moving forward is an important step in addressing these challenging issues.
