Dozens of protesters calling for justice in the death of Daniel Prude marched from the Public Safety Building to Rochester City Hall on Tuesday morning.
They vowed to stay there until they get their demands met for the firing and arrests of police officers involved in the incident last March, when Prude suffocated after being restrained by police who had been responding to a mental health call.
They're also demanding that Mayor Lovely Warren and Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley resign, papering the front of City Hall with "wanted" posters depicting Warren and Doorley.
— y-James A. Brown (@jamesbrowntv) September 15, 2020
The news about Prude’s death came to light earlier this month when police body camera video was released.
There have been protests every day since news about Prude’s death was revealed. And there has been a flurry of actions taken by Warren, including suspending, with pay, the seven officers while state and local investigations continue.
Occupation of City Hall called by protesters Tuesday morning asking for arrest of RPD officers connected with death of Daniel Prude in RPD custody. pic.twitter.com/do2S88loeq
— WXXI News (@WXXINews) September 15, 2020
Warren on Monday announced that she was firing Police Chief La’Ron Singletary. He had previously announced he would be retiring by the end of the month.
She also announced a number of other steps, after a more than 300-page report prepared by Deputy Mayor James Smith was released, which went through the actions taken during Prude’s apprehension, and the subsequent actions taken by police and city officials.
American flag replaced BLM flag. American flag folded in front of City Hall Tuesday morning. Protesters plan to occupy outside building. @maxrocphoto pic.twitter.com/LXEoGEI8za
— WXXI News (@WXXINews) September 15, 2020
After a half hour of talking with protesters everyone has calmly resolved the “flag” issue here at City Hall. Protesters said the American flag would be put back up just not today. https://t.co/Qrssa9tKBy
— WXXI News (@WXXINews) September 15, 2020
Warren has called for a federal investigation of the Rochester Police Department. A spokesperson at City Hall on Tuesday morning said she did not know if Warren was in the building during the protests.
Early Tuesday evening, a statement from Smith addressed the protests:
"Today we had peaceful protestors gather at City Hall to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech," Smith said. "As part of this protest, no one was able to gain access to City Hall, so we decided to close at 11 a.m., since we were not able to fully conduct business. Employees left at that time without incident and those gathered outside continued to express themselves peacefully."
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
