‘BLM,’ ‘Murderers’ painted on Rochester streets during 7th straight night of Daniel Prude protests

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A demonstration ensued in Rochester Tuesday, for the seventh straight night since news of Daniel Prude’s death became public.

Activists gathered and Jefferson Avenue and Dr. Samuel McCree Way on the city’s southwest side around 7 p.m. — the spot where Prude encountered police before he died in March.

Tuesday’s event follows a drastic shake-up in Rochester Police Department leadership, as Chief Singletary, along with several other commanders, announced they are retiring.

MORE | Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, more RPD command staff retires in wake of Daniel Prude death

Following a weekend of violent protests where demonstrators and police clashed downtown, the last two nights of rallies went off peacefully, with no injuries reported.

At Jefferson Avenue, protesters painted “Black Lives Matter” in the street. A round of speeches and thoughts by organizers and activists were shared to the crowd of hundreds, preceding the forthcoming march.

Demonstrators reached the Public Safety Building just before 10 p.m. for more speeches. Before departing north, protesters painted “murderers” on the street outside the Public Safety Building in red paint.

Rochester police said on Twitter that rocks were thrown at officers, but our reporter and photographer at the scene could not immediately confirm that report, and nothing of the sort was picked up on our live stream that was active for the duration of the evening.

Around 10:45 p.m. protesters marched north from the Public Safety Building up Exchange, to State, and turned left on Church before reaching the steps of City Hall for more demonstration. Police say less than 50 protesters remained shortly after midnight.

On Wednesday morning, RPD reported one arrest: 32-year-old Kyle Davis of Rochester who according to police was arrested for second degree attempted assault, second degree assault and resisting arrest. Police also says one officer was treated at URMC for injuries.

Police made no mention of any injuries to protesters Tuesday.

From the scene

Organizers of Tuesday’s gathering, Free the People ROC, applauded the announcement of Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary’s retirement Tuesday:

“We accept Police Chief La’Ron Singletary’s resignation and the resignations of the entire RPD Command Team. Our movement for justice is winning, and it’s because of this incredible community, showing up night after night.

Let’s keep the pressure up until all those responsible for Daniel Prude’s murder and cover up—including Mayor Lovely Warren—have resigned, taken responsibility, and donated their pensions to the families they allowed to be harmed. Together we have the ability to hold those in power accountable and bring an end to systemic police violence in our community.”

MORE | Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, more RPD command staff retires in wake of Daniel Prude death

It’s not just the chief either, but also members of the command staff. Joining Singletary in retirement is Deptuty Chief Morabito, Commander Fabian Rivera, and Commander Elena Correia. Rochester police officials say both Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor are returning to the previously held rank of lieutenant. Deptuty Chief Mark Mura will return to the rank of captain.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren held a 90-second press conference at City Hall Tuesday to address the RPD shake-up, and did not take questions from media.

“I want to ensure our Rochester community that the Rochester police department will continue to serve and protect our residents and neighborhoods,” Mayor Warren said. “Chief Singletary will remain in charge of the department through the end of the month. We have spoke about maintaining restraint through the ongoing protests we as all involved to remain peaceful.

“I can assure this community I am committed to institutional reforms necessary in our police department,” the mayor said. “I know that there are many questions, but this just occurred and honestly I do not have all the answers today”

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