Criminal Justice

Rochester’s Police Chief Resigns as Quest for #JusticeforDaniel Continues

Our campaign seeking justice for Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man in need of mental health help who was killed by cops in March is gathering steam. Rochester’s police chief and deputy police chief both resigned after body camera footage was released showing what we all knew: Daniel should be alive today. For a week straight, organizers held protests and 77,000 COC members spoke out demanding the officers be fired, charged, and the city changes how it responds to mental health crises. Daniel’s brother had called police for help, explaining he was a threat to no one but himself. Instead, they brutalized Daniel and knelt on his back ’til he couldn’t breathe. We will not relent. Our quest for justice continues as we press Rochester’s mayor and city council to pass legislation that requires medical professionals — and not armed cops — to respond to medical calls.