Takeaways from MSU welcome week 2025: A look at racial bias within the East Lansing police department and city council

More than a month after the pepper-spraying and arrest of two black men, Lonnie Smith and Mason Woods, both men have filed federal lawsuits against the city of East Lansing—specifically, Police Chief Jennifer Brown and Officer Anthony Lyon – alleging excessive force and libel for a misleading press release.On Sunday of MSU Welcome Week, Lonnie Smith attempted to break up an altercation between his friend and East Lansing resident, Mason Woods, and several other young men outside of Dave’s Hot Chicken. After the police were called, Officer Anthony Lyon deployed pepper spray within inches of their faces. Both men were arrested that night.