Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced the city's entire police department's command staff are retiring after Daniel Prude's death.
During a virtual city council meeting Warren added there may be a number of others that will decide to leave as well. The Mayor doesn't know who will take over the embattled department on the interim basis.
Warren admonished Police Chief La'Ron Singletary last week for failing to fully and accurately inform her about what transpired during the arrest.
"As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity." Singletary added, "The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for."
Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito, a 34-year veteran at the department, also retired.
Daniel Prude was a naked Black man, handcuffed and head covered with a “spit hood,” who was forced into the asphalt by Rochester police.
He died days later.
Prude had told police he suffered from COVID-19, so officers put a hood on his head, to prevent him from spitting on them. He was also suffered from mental illness.
The incident more than two months before George Floyd died during similar police action in Minneapolis — came to light after part of the body camera video, obtained from police on behalf of family members, was released by their lawyer.
The circumstances of Daniel Prude’s death sparked protests and community activists vowed to keep pressing for action against the officers involved.
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