SAVE ROCHESTER-BLM, religious leaders call for peaceful demonstrations

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Demonstrations continued for a sixth straight night in the City of Rochester, but for the second night in a row there was no use of force and no arrests were made.

As the city prepares for another night of protests, the leaders of SAVE ROCHESTER – BLM met with Rev. Lewis Stewart and County Legislator Ernest Flagler, apologizing for some prior calls for violence.

The group said some members of SAVE ROCHESTER – BLM, who were pushing for violence, interrupted a briefing held by the church on Thursday.

According to group leaders, violence is not what they want nor what they want nor is it the reason they are demonstrating. Stewart emphasized the importance of working together to find peaceful and productive solutions.

"Anger can never lead a movement," Stewart said. "Rationality, reason, righteousness, organization must lead a movement."

Stewart says he will speak with Rev. Jesse Jackson over Zoom to discuss the death of Daniel Prude.

For full coverage on the death of Daniel Prude, click here.