Benton Harbor riots


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

1966

On August 30, 1966, due to a fatal shooting, residents rioted for six days. Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard, who stood down on September 5.

2003

In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor rioted for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by a police officer, crashed into a building and died. Rioters set five vacant and dilapidated houses in the worst neighborhood of Benton Harbor on fire, to express their overall frustration with conditions in their lives and in the city of Benton Harbor. 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.
Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit in .

Other years

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