Rochester restaurants targeted by Black Lives Matter protesters support protests, close down during Saturday's unrest



Black Lives Matter protesters tormented outdoor diners in Rochester on Friday night. Three of the restaurants targeted in the protests have come out on the side of the protesters.

Protesters intimidated numerous diners at Rochester restaurants on Friday by flipping tables and shattering glassware. A protester was seen on video screaming, "We're shutting your party down!"

Three of the restaurants that lost patrons and had property damaged during the demonstrations have come out to support the Black Lives Matter protests.

WHRC-TV reported that restaurants Swan Dive, Ox and Stone, and Daily Refresher released statements on Instagram siding with the protests.

Despite what videos might depict, we lost some glassware last night. You can not deny the anger and hurt our community is feeling right now. As always, the actions of a few agitators are amplified louder and louder as videos are shared and conclusions are drawn. We, now and always, stand with those standing against injustice.
Stay safe. Listen. Love.
Ever better.

The restaurants also said that they would not open on Saturday night.

Protests continued on Saturday night in Rochester, as people took to the streets to call for justice of the death of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old man who died on March 23 in Rochester Police custody. Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office said Prude died from "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint due to excited delirium due to acute phencyclidine intoxication," which is "an indication that Prude might have been high on PCP."

Seven Rochester police officers involved in Prude's arrest have been suspended with pay. The case is being investigated by the New York State Attorney General's Office.

On Saturday night, more than 1,000 protesters marched through the streets of Rochester. Agitators threw bottles and rocks at police, and launched fireworks at them as well. Three officers were "treated at local hospitals for injuries sustained as a result of projectiles and incendiary devices which were launched against them," Lt. Greg Bello told the Democrat & Chronicle.

Officers deployed tear gas and pepper balls to disperse the crowd shortly before 10:30 p.m., according to WSYR-TV.

Rioters damaged city hall, and set U-Haul trucks on fire. The owner of three U-Haul trucks destroyed during the BLM protests is Jesse Barksdale, who told WHEC reporter Charles Molineaux that he is livid over the destruction of his business.

Police said there were nine arrests, including two suspects charged with felonies of first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree rioting, second-degree assault against an officer, and unlawful assembly.

This group of protestors thousands strong now is demanding justice for Daniel Prude has begun to move down Jefferso… https://t.co/tYZJNP0Kak
— Ben Densieski (@Ben Densieski)1599354302.0
Tear gas dispersed at protesters in Rochester NY, police are pushing and telling everyone to disperse… https://t.co/tApFXfmZeg
— @SCOOTERCASTER (FNTV) (@@SCOOTERCASTER (FNTV))1599360598.0
The protest has turned in to a dangerous protest. #ROC https://t.co/R8HPq2TN2f
— Geoffery Rogers (@Geoffery Rogers)1599359987.0
Mortar fireworks going off #Rochester NY https://t.co/x31Uf5o7wX
— Kitty Shackleford (@Kitty Shackleford)1599361979.0
Windows cracked here at city hall. The group is moving to a church on Fitzhugh St. Police are still on main. https://t.co/DYlhJYK3r1
— Atyia Collins (@Atyia Collins)1599363802.0
Uhaul truck was set on fire last night in Rochester NY after most of the protesters have dispersed. A small group o… https://t.co/ltInV6vpiG
— @SCOOTERCASTER (FNTV) (@@SCOOTERCASTER (FNTV))1599399198.0
Three U-Haul trucks destroyed at J-Ribs on State Street.Owner Jesse Barksdale says he was bounced out of bed to re… https://t.co/ytE69CQurB
— Charles Molineaux (@Charles Molineaux)1599370708.0

There was also a riot declared in Portland after agitators threw fire bombs and shot fireworks at police. One protester caught on fire after a Molotov cocktail exploded near him.

‘We Warned Them’: Dallas Police Chief Had Nearly 700 Protesters Taken Into Custody For Blocking Highway

Last month, Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall had nearly 700 individuals taken into custody and hit with at-large arrest charges after they blocked a major highway in the city. After blocking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, 647 protesters were put in zip-tie handcuffs. An unapologetic Hall said in a subsequent press conference that she was […]

Last month, Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall had nearly 700 individuals taken into custody and hit with at-large arrest charges after they blocked a major highway in the city.

After blocking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, 647 protesters were put in zip-tie handcuffs.

An unapologetic Hall said in a subsequent press conference that she was the one that made the call to detain individuals and reiterated that she “warned" protesters not to break the law, lest they be arrested.

“We warned them," she said, FOX 4 reported at the time. “If you break the law, we will arrest you."

“There are many who question and are not happy with the decisions that I made on yesterday," Hall said, as noted by CNS News. “Let me be clear, I am not here to make people happy. My job and our job in law enforcement is to keep this city safe. We have pledged that. We will do that. And that is our goal."

“Although peaceful, the protesters broke the law," the police chief continued. “On last night, they assembled and then they began to walk, and we supported that walk. When they began to enter the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge they were given a warning because it is against the law."

“The penal code 42.03, obstruction of a highway or passageway, says they are not allowed to walk in the middle of the roadway or freeway or overpass," Hall explained.

The chief reiterated that protesters were warned, yet still blocked the highway. “They did not stop," she said. “They decided to take a knee on the bridge and hold their hands up and say, 'Don't shoot!'"

“Again, no one should be surprised because my statement is, if you break the law, we will arrest you," Hall stated.

On Sunday, protesters in Rochester, New York, blocked a major highway during an anti-police protest as officers surrounded them for protection.

None of the protesters were detained, arrested, or charged.

Protestors on 490 E under the Plymouth exit. #Roc pic.twitter.com/kE409OiSbJ
— Rich Healey (@r_heals13) July 19, 2020

On the same day as the radical anti-police protest, two vehicles personally belonging to Monroe County Sheriff's deputies were torched at their home.

The cause of the fire is being investigated as arson and the motive remains unclear.

As noted by The Daily Wire last month, Hall was later featured in a video posted in mid-June to express “solidarity with people protesting the death of George Floyd," which ended with the police chief getting down on one knee.

“To the communities we serve: We hear you. But before we move forward, we need to pause," the video statement says. “To listen before we speak. And to kneel before we stand. … We join those in law enforcement who are stopping, listening and kneeling."

The statement in the video concludes, “Because Black lives do matter."

WATCH:

Related: WATCH: Dallas Police Dept. Releases Video Championing Taking A Knee To Fight Racism

The Daily Wire is one of America's fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news, opinion, and entertainment. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member.

Two Vehicles Owned By Sheriff’s Deputies Torched At Their Home, Arson Investigation Opened

Two vehicles owned by two Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies were torched at their home early Sunday morning, triggering an arson investigation. The fire from the first vehicle spread to a second vehicle and caused damage to the home, 13 WHAM reported Sunday. No one was injured. Same day anti-police protesters took over a highway in […]

Two vehicles owned by two Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies were torched at their home early Sunday morning, triggering an arson investigation.

The fire from the first vehicle spread to a second vehicle and caused damage to the home, 13 WHAM reported Sunday. No one was injured.

Same day anti-police protesters took over a highway in Rochester, two vehicles owned by Monroe Country Sheriff's deputies were torched at their home (house damaged, too). An arson investigation has been opened. Absolutely shameful. pic.twitter.com/txthgKAzDW

— Amanda (@AmandaPresto) July 20, 2020

“This type of behavior is extremely concerning to me,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, according to a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputies and their families will always be my priority,” the statement continued. “Whatever the reason for this fire, know that our investigators are working diligently through the weekend to determine a cause.”

“We are conducting a full court press to find who is responsible,” added Baxter. “Make no mistake, we will find and ensure those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

At 3:31 a.m. on Sunday, the sheriff’s office and Brockport firefighters responded to a report over the incident, the press release explained. “Upon arrival, the fire had spread to a second vehicle in the same driveway. The fire also causes damage to the house, fortunately no one was injured,” the release said.

The vehicles that were set on fire belonged to two Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, the release added. “MCSO’s Arson Task Force, Criminal Investigation Section (CIS), and Major Felony Unit (MFU) are investigating.”

Videotape surveillance has been collected and “is currently under review by investigators,” the office announced.

“At this time, we do not know the motive behind the fires, however, MCSO will determine it and share its findings with the public,” the statement noted.

HAPPENING NOW: MCSO Investigates Sweden Vehicle Fires -Vehicles Owned by Two MCSO Deputies pic.twitter.com/bix1kElCwB

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) July 19, 2020

The office later clarified that the incident occurred in the town of Clarkson, not Sweden, as originally stated on the press release.

CORRECTION: MCSO Investigates Two Vehicle Fires in Town of Clarkson, not Sweden. We regret the error.

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) July 19, 2020

The apparent crime was committed on the same day as a large anti-police protest in Monroe County that took over a major highway.

As seen in the footage below, protesters shouted, “We shut sh** down.”

The protesters are demanding, in part, that all “non-violent” offenders be released from prison.

Protestors on 490 E under the Plymouth exit. #Roc pic.twitter.com/kE409OiSbJ

— Rich Healey (@r_heals13) July 19, 2020

Read the full press release, below:

On today’s date, Sunday, July 19, 2020, at 3:31 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, as well as Brockport firefighters, responded to the report of a vehicle in the driveway of a home in the Town of [Clarkson]. Upon arrival, the fire had spread to a second vehicle in the same driveway. The fire also caused damage to the house, fortunately no one was injured. 

Upon investigating, the Monroe County Sheriff’s’ Office learned the vehicles owned by two Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. MCSO’s Arson Task Force, Criminal Investigation Section (CIS), and Major Felony Unit (MFU) are investigating. A canvass of the neighborhood yielded videotape surveillance that is currently under review by investigators. Evidence technicians also responded to process the scene, to include photographs.

At this time, we do not know the motive behind the fires, however, MCSO will determine it and share its findings with the public. 

“This type of behavior is extremely concerning to me,” said MCS Todd K. Baxter. “Deputies and their families will always be my priority. Whatever the reason for this fire, know that our investigators are working diligently through the weekend to determine a cause. We are conducting a full court press to find who is responsible. Make no mistake, we will fid and ensure those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

 The Daily Wire is one of America’s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news, opinion, and entertainment. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member.