Rochester City Council News Release - Statement On The Attorney General's Announcement

Press release from the City of Rochester:

For Immediate Release:

February 23,
2021

Statement from City Council President Loretta C. Scott and
Vice President Willie J. Lightfoot on the Attorney General’s Announcement

Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the grand jury empaneled last fall in the investigation of Daniel Prude’s death has returned with no indictments against the members of the Rochester Police Department involved in this incident. While this decision is extremely disappointing, it is not at all surprising. We realize that for many in our community, this decision feels inadequate and unjust.

While we cannot change the decision of the grand jury, we can continue to seek justice for Daniel Prude. Tonight we call on Police Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan to pursue disciplinary actions against the officers involved in his death, including the possible termination of these officers.

We must continue the efforts in our community to reform our public safety system, and ensure that we create a system that values human life and recognizes and responds appropriately to situations involving
individuals in need of mental health services.

Our prayers remain with the Prude family, today and always.

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Media Contact: Condenessa Brown – condenessa.brown@cityofrochester.gov

This press release was produced by the City of Rochester. The views expressed here are the author’s own.