Rochester police release video of cops pepper-spraying handcuffed 9-year-old girl; protests erupt as officers are suspended



Protests broke out Monday in Rochester, New York, after police released the video of an incident where officers pepper-sprayed a 9-year-old girl who had been handcuffed after they responded to a family distress call.

The incident unfolded Friday when police answered a call about a family disturbance and a possible stolen car.

Police say the girl was in distress, and was expressing suicidal thoughts as well as threats of violence against her mother. When they tried to restrain her, she resisted and thrashed around. Eventually, they used pepper spray to help subdue her and get her into their patrol car.

Rochester Deputy Police Chief Andre Anderson said that she was transported to Rochester General Hospital and later released.

Owing to a recent change in police policies, footage of the incident from police body cameras were released to the public within 48 hours. The video shows the girl asking for her father while the police command her to follow their orders.

"You're acting like a child," said one officer during the video.

"I am a child!" the girl responded.

On Sunday, interim Rochester Police Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan condemned the actions taken by the officers during a media briefing.

"I'm not going to stand here and tell you that for a 9-year-old to have to be pepper-sprayed is OK. It's not," Herriott-Sullivan said. "I don't see that as who we are as a department, and we're going to do the work we have to do to ensure that these kinds of things don't happen."

Others saw the incident in a much different light.

Rochester police union President Mike Mazzeo defended the officers involved in statements made to the media. He argued that the incident resulted in no injury to the girl, but could have been far worse.

"Had they had to go and push further, and use more force, there's a good chance she could have been hurt worse. It's very very difficult to get someone in the back of a police car like that," Mazzeo explained.

"I'm not saying there are not better ways to do things. But let's be realistic about what we're facing," he added. "It's not TV, it's not Hollywood."

On Monday afternoon WROC reported that the officers involved had been suspended. In response to the incident, several state legislators authored a bill that would prohibit the use of chemical agents by police on anyone under the age of 18.

Hundreds of protesters were also documented on a march in Rochester on Monday. Several were seen overturning barricades at a Rochester police station.

Rochester police also indicated that more police footage would be released.

Here's a local news video about the incident:

Rochester, N.Y. Police Release Body Cam Footage After 9-Year-Old Girl Handcuffed, Pepper Sprayedwww.youtube.com

Rochester police captain blasts Dem's bail reform and politicians wanting more gun laws: 'You don't know what you're talking about'



There was a tragic mass shooting in Rochester this weekend where 14 people were shot, and two teenagers were killed at a party, where more than 40 rounds were fired. The two people killed were identified by police as Jarvis Alexander and Jaquayla Young, both age 19. All of the shooting victims are between the ages of 17 and 23. Rochester Police Department Captain Frank Umbrino gave a press conference about the mass shooting where he criticized policies by Democrats that he said have made the New York less safe.

Umbrino was asked about enforcing new gun laws to stop shootings, and he responded by saying New York has "some of the toughest gun laws in the country." He then asked, "Why are we going to create more laws when we don't enforce the laws that are on the books?"

"But when you have the same people committing the same crimes over and over and over again, new laws aren't gonna help them," Umbrino said.

"I've been doing this a long time, and I've been involved in hundreds of homicide investigations here in the city of Rochester," the captain said. "Do you know how many of those homicide investigations involved individuals that owned legally-registered handguns? Honestly, I can't remember one that wasn't justified or ruled as justified by a grand jury in which a suspect committed a murder with a legally owned handgun."

"So again, if these politicians want to get up and spew that we need more gun laws, they're just lying, they don't want to answer the real questions that need to be answered," Umbrino said.

"I'm not surprised by the violence that's been taking place," Umbrino said, as reported in The Daily Wire. "You know, I'm going to get in trouble, probably, for this, but if I hear one more politician talk about what we need to do to stop the violence; we need more gun laws, we need this, we need that — quite frankly, I'm going to vomit. These people who say that have no idea what they are talking about."

"We have a lot of gun laws currently on the books that we don't enforce. I shouldn't say we don't enforce — we enforce them, but you have individuals locked up for illegal handguns, and being released from custody the next day," the captain said, referring to bail reform. "That's disgusting. How does that happen?"

"So, if anybody is surprised that there's been an uptick in violence, since we don't enforce the current gun laws that we have, I don't know what to tell ya. But those are the facts," Umbrino added. "These politicians that wanna say we need more gun laws, we need this, we need that, do me a favor: just stop talking, because you really don't know what you're talking about."

Captain Umbrino then lambasted bail reform, a policy that Democrats have recently embraced.

"Bail reform, in my opinion — as a 30-year veteran in law enforcement, and working in the city of Rochester for the last 30 years — bail reform has a significant impact on the amount of crime and the uptick in crime that's been occurring in our community and throughout New York state," he claimed. "Look at the numbers. … the numbers are terrible. And anybody that says bail reform is not part of the blame in that is fooling themselves. And stop telling us that."

Umbrino said he has been talking to local residents who have been "getting frustrated" in the last three weeks. This when the anti-police brutality protests regarding the death of Daniel Prude, who died in police custody, started. The captain said local residents were getting upset with outsiders and they told him they wanted these people to "get the hell out of our city and let us take care of our problems the way we need to take care of them."

"It's a tragedy, unfortunately, it's another innocent person that's gunned down for absolutely no good reason whatsoever, it's heart-wrenching when you have innocent people getting killed," Umbrino stated. "I just hope, a month from now, everybody remembers their names."

No suspects in the mass shooting are in custody. The police investigation is ongoing.

Umbrino's comments about gun control and bail reform begin at the 11-minute mark.

RAW: Frank Umbrino updates Rochester media on mass shooting www.youtube.com

TheBlaze reporter assaulted by Black Lives Matter agitator pretending to be press: 'They tried to get me killed'



BlazeTV host and reporter Elijah Schaffer covered the Black Lives Matter protest in Rochester on Saturday night. While covering the protests that escalated into civil unrest where at least one officer was injured and an unlawful assembly was declared, Schaffer was physically assaulted by an alleged Black Lives Matter supporter who was falsely posing as a member of the press.

"Fake press intentionally started a rumor I was a white supremacist to try to get me killed (see previous video)," Schaffer wrote on Twitter. "They turned the crowd on me & started surrounding me At the same time, police saw the escalation & moved in Fake press are terrorists & put us all in danger."

"I'm really growing weary of this violent 'fake Antifa/BLM press,'" Schaffer, who is the host of the "Slightly Offens*ve" podcast, said. "They work in conjunction to abuse and endanger real reporters doing their job They use fascist tactics and 'dress up' as press to avoid police scrutiny Then they attack you and police don't know what to do."

"Fake press is harassing me here. Assaulting me with their camera," Schaffer tweeted. "Putting me in chat rooms trying to get me jumped This is disgusting behavior Telling me they will beat me up while I do my job."

NY: Fake press intentionally started a rumor I was a white supremacist to try to get me killed (see previous vide… https://t.co/JbANpAvAv4
— ELIJAH RIOT (@ELIJAH RIOT)1599966878.0


Fake press is harassing me here. Assaulting me with their cameraPutting me in chat rooms trying to get me jumped… https://t.co/slMa9y3lWD
— ELIJAH RIOT (@ELIJAH RIOT)1599965921.0

On a recent episode of the "Slightly Offens*ve" podcast, Schaffer discussed the rise of protesters and agitators pretending to be members of the press. Schaffer pointed out that Antifa supporters have posed as media members in protests across the country, including Washington, D.C., Portland, and Rochester.

Schaffer explained that the fake press label allows pretend reporters to unmask any reporters who don't cover Antifa or BLM riots in a positive light. The fake press members are also protected against the police under the guise of the First Amendment's protection of the right to the freedom of press, despite not actually being real journalists attempting to report on a news story.

There have been cases of reporters being injured by police officers during protests and riots this summer. California Democratic state Sen. Mike McGuire introduced SB 629, a bill that intends to protect journalists. The legislation would prohibit police officers from "intentionally assaulting, interfering with, or obstructing" or citing a member of the press.

"Members of the press risk their personal health and safety each time they attend protests or rallies to get the public the information they need and deserve. Rubber bullets, tear gas, and even detainment cannot be the new norm for an essential pillar of our nation's democracy. California must lead the way to ensure the right of the press and the First Amendment are protected and held to the highest standard," state Sen. McGuire said. "SB 629 - The Press Freedom Act - will help ensure journalists can perform these critical roles while being protected under the law from any law enforcement officer intentionally assaulting, obstructing or interfering with their duties while they are gathering the news."

However, Schaffer and fellow protest reporter Tayler Hansen pointed out that Antifa members pretend to be press members, which hurts real reporters on the ground and destroys any trust between law enforcement and legitimate media members. Schaffer said the fake media members use their press privileges to get closer to cops to "berate" them or "throw tear gas canisters back at the police."

During a protest in Portland last week, a press member told Hansen that he "didn't belong here," and equated him to "Fox News" because he allegedly labeled rioters as "anarchists" on social media.

After the press member exposed him, a group of Antifa members identified Hansen as an unfriendly reporter to their cause. Hansen, the founder of the pro-life "Baby Lives Matter" movement, said he was attacked by Antifa members.

"Last night in Portland I was beaten bloody by four people in Black Bloc," Hansen wrote on Twitter. "They proceeded to beat me. I was punched in the face, thrown on the ground where they began kicking me in the back and hitting me in the face again. As they fled one yelled 'Stay out of Portland b*tch!'"

You can watch the entire "Slightly Offens*ve" interview below.

EXPOSED: Antifa Fake Press | Guest: Tayler Hansen | Ep 85 www.youtube.com

Rochester Police Chief shares POWERFUL words during resignation after city’s violent, BLM protests

Rochester Police Chief shares POWERFUL words during resignation after city’s violent, BLM protests

Breaking: Entire Rochester Police Dept. command staff resigns over protests from the death of Daniel Prude​



Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary resigned after days of protest over the death of Daniel Prude in police custody. Two deputy police chiefs also resigned.

Mayor Lovely Warren told the Rochester City Council about the resignations on Tuesday. When asked by reporters who would be in charge of law enforcement during expected protests that night, Warren said she wasn't certain.

"We would have to find an interim chief," Warren said. "Because I just got the call before this hearing, I don't know."

Singletary explained the reasons for his resignation in a news release. One report said City Council President Loretta C. Scott told News10NBC that Singletary would stay on until Sept. 28.

"Today, after 20 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Police Department and the Rochester Community, I announce my retirement from the Rochester Police Department. For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride, and the highest integrity," Singletary said.

Daniel Prude, 41, died in March after being restrained by police officers that placed him in a spit hood. His family had called the police because the man was having a mental illness episode and a medical examiner said later that he was under "acute PCP intoxication."

The seven Rochester police officers involved in the Prude case have also been suspended.

Singletary said that he was resigning because his character was being maligned over the response to the death of Prude.

"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 said.

"The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochesters Community know my reputation and know what I stand for," he added. "The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude's death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for."

Police Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito and Deputy Chief Mark Simmons also resigned.

While Singletary blamed "outside entities" for maligning his character, Mayor Warren had previously blamed the death of Prude on racism.

"Institutional and structural racism led to Daniel Prude's death. I won't deny it, I stand before it, and I call for justice upon it," she said.

Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary retires in wake of Daniel Prude's death — September 8, 2020www.youtube.com

No justice, no peace: BLM protesters reportedly burn black-owned business during Rochester riots — and the owner, who built his business out of poverty, is livid



Jesse Barksdale, the black owner of a Rochester, New York, multipurpose store that leases U-Haul vehicles, was reportedly "livid" after Black Lives Matter demonstrators reportedly set fire to at least three of his trucks in the early hours of Sunday morning.

What are the details?

A sign hangs outside of Barksdale's business — "Proud to be Black Owned" — but that apparently didn't stop who are believed to be Black Lives Matter demonstrators from burning down his business.

The city has erupted in riots and demonstrations following the release of bodycam footage capturing the late Daniel Prude's arrest in March.

Prude died after being detained by members of the Rochester Police Department. His family is now calling for the officers — who have been suspended — to be charged with murder.

WHEC-TV's Charles Molineaux tweeted photos of Barksdale's devastated business on Sunday.

Molineaux captioned the photos, "Multiple trucks on fire at U-Haul on State Street at Brown. Rochester fire just arriving now."

Multiple trucks on fire at U-Haul on State Street at Brown.Rochester fire just arriving now. https://t.co/J7VnqflbYR
— Charles Molineaux (@Charles Molineaux)1599369689.0

Molineaux later tweeted, "Three U-Haul trucks destroyed at J-Ribs on State Street. Owner Jesse Barksdale says he was bounced out of bed to respond. Livid over the destruction of his business."

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

'We are certainly not the enemy in this scenario'

Later on Sunday, the business's Facebook page shared an update about the vandalism.

In a lengthy post, the business wrote, "Last night our business fell victim to violence spurred by misdirected anger. I wanted to make this post to share Jribs on state st. is a Native Rochester owned business."

"We certainly are not the enemy in this scenario and are deeply saddened by the violence that occurred last," the post continued. "In these trying times we as Rochestarians need to COME TOGETHER for our city and build eachother [sic] up, not destroy one another regardless of dividing factors."

The post added, "We hope you can all help us spread peace, love, and positivity going forward."

"I have had several people reach out about what they can do to help, or where they can send donations I have attached my Venmo account," the post concluded. "We are in no way requesting donations but it is there for those who would like. The best thing you can do to help would be to come by the shop, chat with us and meet us, and help us grow our business by being a patron! Remember our shop is highly versatile, in addition to selling food we are also a convenience store AND a Uhaul rental/pick up destination. Thank you to those who support us, as we support you back!"

'You have to stay persistent'

Barksdale and his business were both featured in July in the Democrat & Chronicle.

Barksdale, who also serves barbecue at his convenience store, grew up in poverty in the city, and was raised by his aunt after his mother died and his father was jailed.

According to the feature, Barksdale took special education classes in school because he wasn't academically on-track, and barely graduated from high school.

Despite his struggles as a young man, Barksdale overcame and found himself happily at his store in the early hours of the morning every day to cut vegetables and prepare food for his customers.

"In life, you have to stay persistent," he told the outlet.

The feature concludes, "Jesse said he gets the chills when he tells his story. He has not let his challenges with reading and writing deter him from owning a business, and he hopes to be an example for people who struggle in school. His message to them: 'Dude, you can do it.'"

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.