Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren held a press conference on Tuesday and announced that several high ranking police officials, including the city’s police chief, had handed in their resignations.
The resignations came amid allegations of a cover-up following the death of unarmed Black man, Daniel Prude.
Prude died in Rochester back in March while in police custody. Officers attempted to restrain him using a “spit-hood,” and recently released body camera footage of the incident surfaced showed the struggle before his death. Protests ignited across the city.
Warren’s press conference lasted just 90 seconds.
“I want to ensure our Rochester community that the Rochester police department will continue to serve and protect our residents and neighborhoods,” Mayor Warren said. “Chief Singletary will remain in charge of the department through the end of the month. We have spoke about maintaining restraint through the ongoing protests we as all involved to remain peaceful.
“I can assure this community I am committed to institutional reforms necessary in our police department. I know that there are many questions, but this just occurred and honestly I do not have all the answers today.”
That same day, Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, along with the other RPD command staff, announced their retirements in protest of the allegations.
Deputy Chief Morabito, Commander Fabian Rivera, and Commander Elena Correia have all tendered their resignations. The RPD’s Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor will return to the previously held rank of lieutenant. Deputy Chief Mark Mura will be returning to his previously held position of captain.
