Protesters ‘Occupy City Hall’ Tuesday evening
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Protesters gathered at Rochester City Hall Tuesday evening in the 14th day of demonstrations over the death of Daniel Prude.
Organizers say this week is all about escalation.
Protesters have blocked all entrances to City Hall, refusing to let anyone in. They say they won’t leave until their demands are met, which include firing all of the officers involved in Prude’s death, and for them to be charged.
FTP plan to stay at City Hall until all demands are met. pic.twitter.com/4BllWojUN9
— Patrick Moussignac (@WHEC_Moussignac) September 15, 2020
The group also gathered at the Public Safety Building at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday before marching to City Hall.
On two flag poles, the American and state flags were replaced with a Black Lives Matter flag and a progress pride flag.
The Rochester Police Department Tweeted, saying it has the flag and it’s being properly cared for.
We have received several inquiries from community members and media regarding the flags that were taken down from City Hall today. The flags are in our possession and are being properly cared for.
— Rochester NY Police (@RochesterNYPD) September 15, 2020
Deputy Mayor James Smith released the following statement about the protest:
"Today we had peaceful protestors gather at City Hall to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech. As part of this protest, no one was able to gain access to City Hall, so we decided to close at 11 a.m., since we were not able to fully conduct business. Employees left at that time without incident and those gathered outside continued to express themselves peacefully."
Free the People Roc held a press conference at 5:30 in front of City Hall. They were joined by Daniel Prude’s brother, Joe Prude.
Joe Prude joining the press conference. pic.twitter.com/LYhDF75dtJ
— Patrick Moussignac (@WHEC_Moussignac) September 15, 2020
Click here for full coverage of the death of Daniel Prude.