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's ENTIRE police command staff resigns, Chief shares POWERFUL words amid violent protests



Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary and his entire command staff announced their resignation on Tuesday, following nearly a week of nightly protesting and rioting over the death of Daniel Prude, who died in police custody last March.

If you only listen to the mainstream media, you'd think Singletary resigned due to the valiant efforts of violent BLM protesters, and that his decision should be celebrated as a victory. But, that is not the case, Glenn Beck argued on Wednesday's radio program.

Glenn shared Singletary's resignation statement, in which the 20-year police veteran made it clear that his decision to leave the department was to save his integrity:

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. [ ...] 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.

"He didn't resign because of pressure. He resigned because no one would stand up, and he was being accused of things that weren't true," Glenn said. "You are seeing this now in Seattle. [...] You're seeing this all over the country. And it's being spun as a giant win. Let me ask you, Rochester. You've just gotten rid of an African-American police chief. Who are you going to replace him with? [...] Yeah, good luck, Rochester. Good luck. "

Watch the video below for more from Glenn:



Want more from Glenn Beck?

To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.

Assistant principal who went on 'f*** the police' tirade placed on leave: 'They can f*** right off, America!'



The New York assistant principal who went on a "f*** the police" tirade at a Black Lives Matter protest in Rochester has been placed on leave.

"Mr. Steven Lysenko is a tenured administrator with due process rights. He has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation," the Spencerport Central School District's website noted. "We appreciate the outpouring of emails, posts and comments regarding this matter, and we hope you understand that given this is a pending investigation we are unable to respond. Thank you for your patience."

What's the background?

Lysenko of Spencerport High School in suburban Rochester expressed anger during a Facebook Live video Saturday describing an encounter with cops on a bridge.

"Our peacekeepers ended up shooting pepper spray at us for singing and chanting and telling them what a s***ty-assed job they were doing. They can f*** right off, America!" Lysenko said.

"F*** the police!" he screamed while wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt. "F*** Rochester Police Department!"

Here's the clip. (Content warning: Language):

This is Steven Lysenko, assistant principal at Spencerport High School in Rochester. He was at the riot last night… https://t.co/qSaXyL11G2
— Brittany (@Brittany)1599325340.0

The video went viral and reportedly outraged some families, according to WROC-TV.

The school district initially issued a statement denouncing Lysenko's behavior but stopping short of revealing what discipline would be handed down:

Response to a social media video of district employee at the Rochester protest. As we have stated consistently and clearly, Spencerport Central School District stands in solidarity in support of racial equality and systemic change. We remain committed to this change, and want all of our families to know we further stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters. However, when a District employee uses language in public or on social media that does not align with our Code of Conduct or demonstrate appropriate role modeling for students, that is something that we will not condone. These statements by our administrator have caused disruption within our school community. We apologize to our students, parents and community that you had to hear this language from one of our employees.

How are folks reacting?

A Change.org petition demanding the district spare Lysenko has garnered over 7,200 of the 7,500 signature goal as of Tuesday afternoon. Another Change.org petition wants Lysenko fired and has attracted nearly 6,000 of the 7,500 signature goal as of Tuesday afternoon.

One person tweeted that Lysenko "is legitimately the one of very few employees in the SCSD that works to better our district for [people of color] students and families" while another countered that "such crass language and hatred — on a public platform — for [Rochester police] is a disgrace. This does not reflect what Spencerport is truly about."

Lysenko has worked at the district since 2011, and on Sunday he declined to comment to the Democrat & Chronicle.

Anything else?

Protests have raged in Rochester of late, some of which have turned hostile, including protesters tormenting diners. On Saturday night, three Rochester police officers were hospitalized after rioters threw bottles and rocks — as well as shot fireworks — at them.

The unrest stems from the release of bodycam video of the arrest of Daniel Prude, who died while in the custody of Rochester police in March. Seven police officers have been suspended for their involvement in the arrest.

On Tuesday, the city's entire police command staff — including Chief La'Ron Singletary — stepped down over the issue. Singletary said he's resigning because his character was being maligned.

"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," he said.

(H/T: The Police Tribune)

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.'"

New York assistant principal goes on profanity-laced tirade at Rochester BLM protest: 'F*** the police!'



A New York assistant principal is facing scrutiny after delivering a profanity-laced tirade during a Black Lives Matter protest in Rochester. Steven Lysenko, a ninth-grade AP teacher at Spencerport High School in suburban Rochester, is accused of spewing anti-cop rhetoric during a Facebook Live video. The school district was forced to issue a statement after some parents were outraged over the expletive-laden rant.

Lysenko participated in a Black Lives Matter protest in Rochester on Saturday. Following what he deemed as an overaggressive encounter with Rochester police, the assistant principal launched into an enraged diatribe.

Lysenko started the video by introducing himself as the president of the local chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education. The teacher said that he and other demonstrators marched in Rochester as "an act of protest." He continued by claiming, "We didn't do anything but chant and sing."

Lysenko and the group of BLM demonstrators allegedly confronted Rochester police officers on a bridge.

"Our peacekeepers ended up shooting pepper spray at us for singing and chanting and telling them what a s***ty-assed job they were doing," Lysenko said in anger. "They can f*** right off, America!"

"F*** the police," he screamed while wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt. "F*** Rochester police Department!"

This is Steven Lysenko, assistant principal at Spencerport High School in Rochester. He was at the riot last night… https://t.co/qSaXyL11G2
— Brittany (@Brittany)1599325340.0

The video went viral on social media, which reportedly caused some families to be outraged, according to WROC-TV.

The Spencerport Central School District issued a statement on the assistant principal's rant:

Response to a social media video of district employee at the Rochester protest. As we have stated consistently and clearly, Spencerport Central School District stands in solidarity in support of racial equality and systemic change. We remain committed to this change, and want all of our families to know we further stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters. However, when a District employee uses language in public or on social media that does not align with our Code of Conduct or demonstrate appropriate role modeling for students, that is something that we will not condone. These statements by our administrator have caused disruption within our school community. We apologize to our students, parents and community that you had to hear this language from one of our employees.

The school district said the situation "will be addressed as a confidential, personnel matter."

Lyssenko's apparent Twitter bio states that he is an "advocate for social justice," as reported in the New York Post. In June, a tweet from the account read, "To any students-past or present-who follow me here: know that when you post "#WhiteLivesMatter, you are condoning White Supremacy. In that I will not abide!"

Also in June, he appeared on a Facebook video apologizing for using "police-centric and police-friendly language."

Lysenko did not immediately respond to requests for a comment on the situation from the New York Post.

There have been protests in Rochester for the last four nights, some of which have turned hostile, including protesters tormenting diners. On Saturday night, three Rochester police officers were taken to the hospital after being attacked by rioters who threw bottles and rocks at them, as well as shooting fireworks at the cops.

The protests stem from the release of bodycam video of the arrest of Daniel Prude, who died while in the custody of Rochester police in March. Seven police officers have been suspended for their involvement in the arrest of Prude.

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.

Violent BLM protesters attack outdoor diners in New York, cause panic in streets while climbing onto roofs of residents' homes



Dangerous protesters converged on Rochester, New York, for the third night in a row following the release of the footage showing local authorities arresting Daniel Prude.

Who is Daniel Prude?

Prude — who was discovered running around the city streets naked and reportedly high on PCP in March — died following the detainment by Rochester police. Authorities placed a spit hood on Prude during the arrest, and reportedly pressed his face into the pavement.

His family is now calling for the officers involved in Prude's arrest to be charged with murder.

An autopsy report from the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Prude died as a result of "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."

As of Thursday, seven officers involved in Prude's detainment were suspended pending an investigation into the matter.

What are the details?

Now-viral social media clips show a vast crowd of protesters descending on unwitting outdoor diners in Rochester on Friday night, forcing patrons to leave while smashing up tables and throwing chairs.

One protester can be heard screaming, "We're shutting your party down!"

Many of the diners begin to panic over the growing crowd — which reportedly contained at least 1,000 demonstrators — and tripped over one another in attempting to flee the outdoor dining area.

The crowd can also be heard chanting Prude's name, and demanding, "If you don't give us our s***, we shut s*** down!"

(Content warning: Rough language):

Rochester, N.Y.: #BLM rioters swarm a restaurant and knock over the dining tables. https://t.co/lxa0b5hHeh
— Andy Ngô (@Andy Ngô)1599273278.0

Authorities ultimately determined the protest to be an unlawful assembly, and despite local police efforts to quell the riots with crowd-control measures, many demonstrators reportedly refused to back down.

Rioters later also reportedly began taking to residential areas, and could be seen climbing on roofs. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to at least one city bus stop during the overnight melee.

Human Events Managing Editor Ian Miles Cheong tweeted a video that was reportedly filmed at the scene, captioning it, "Black Lives Matter activists are now climbing onto people's homes in Rochester."

(Content warning: Rough language):

Black Lives Matter activists are now climbing onto people’s homes in Rochester. https://t.co/JffhYf4nzf
— Ian Miles Cheong (@Ian Miles Cheong)1599274243.0

Another video sees at least one demonstrator insisting that any protest efforts be aimed "toward the white folks."

“We gonna put matters into our own hands if justice don't come," another protester adds. “I'm being honest with you. We got a 100,000 deep, ready. Ya'll need to know that."

(Content warning: Rough language):

Rochester https://t.co/XmGis0RxsV
— special agent viti (@special agent viti)1599277434.0