Protests have erupted in Rochester, New York after local police release body camera footage of Daniel Prude’s death.
The 41-year-old was killed in March after an encounter with police. After being released from Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, Prude traveled to his brother’s home in below-freezing temperatures wearing long johns and a tank top. As he left the Rochester home, his brother called local authorities because his brother reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.
RIP Daniel Prude! The police were called to help this man, instead they mocked and murdered him!! His murderers should be arrested and charged!
— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) September 3, 2020
After leaving his brother’s home, Prude allegedly smashed the windows of nearby storefronts and ranted about having COVID-19. When officers arrived, they asked Prude the lay down on the road, which was lightly covered in snow. The Rochester man complied as officer’s cuffed him. During the encounter, officers claim Prude became contentious and began spitting at officers as he unsuccessfully tried to stand up. In response, officers reportedly began to hold down his head and feat while pressing against his back. Prude eventually became unconscious and stopped breathing. He was pronounced dead a week later.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that Prude died due to “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint due to excited delerium due to acute phencyclidine intoxication.”
The Prude family intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
