Protests over Daniel Prude’s death to continue Friday

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Demonstrators gathered for a second night of protests over the death of Daniel Prude, the Black man who was not breathing and had no pulse after he was restrained and handcuffed by Rochester Police back in March.

More demonstrations are expected on Friday.

All is calm right now at the Public Safety Building, but what a night it has been for protesters and Rochester Police officers. Originally, the demonstrations started on Jefferson Avenue earlier in the evening and, for the most part, were peaceful.

The confrontation with the police heated up as protesters approached the building. At one point, demonstrators moved the barriers set up, leading to clashes with police. People were throwing bottles at officers, and officers responded with pepper spray and pepper balls.

Eventually, officers were able to push the crowd back to Corn Hill.

Last night’s demonstrations closed out a day of protests filled with people chanting, continuing to demand the resignations of Mayor Lovely Warren and Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary.

"Honestly, I just want to see peace in the city I don’t want to see any more trouble," protester Starr Metales said. "We’re all the same people, just another shade of color, that’s all it is."

Finally, a small group of people left and marched to Alexander Street, making their way back to Martin Luther King Jr. Park where the protest ended around 3 a.m.

Protesters promised to be back at it later Friday morning.