Grand Rapids Man Sentenced For Bringing Firearms To School Graduation
Monday, January 20, 2025, 7:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
GRAND RAPIDS, MI.- On Friday, January 17, 2025, Shyon Malik Armstrong, 19, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for his conviction of being a Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms, Convicted Felon.
According to U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and documents filed with the District Court, on May 30, 2024, members of the Grand Rapids Police Department responded to a report that violence might break out at a graduation ceremony at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Police Learned Of Impending Threat
Earlier in the day, Police Officers had learned that two street gangs were fighting and threatening acts of violence at the graduation ceremony. When Police Officers arrived, Armstrong attempted to flee, but Police Officers quickly apprehended and detained Armstrong. During questioning and a subsequent search of his backpack, Police Officers found two loaded firearms in his backpack. One of the firearms was an AR-style handgun with an extended magazine containing 35 rounds of ammunition.
“At one of life’s most celebratory moments, a high school graduation, Mr. Armstrong created the risk of horrendous harm for these graduates, their families, and school officials,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “I’m so grateful to the Grand Rapids Police Department officers who acted swiftly to protect the community. Every person, no matter who they are or where they live, has the right to live free from the fear of gun violence.”
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. Armstrong knew he was prohibited from possessing the two firearms on May 30, 2024, due to a prior felony conviction in Michigan state court.
