ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Associated Press) — The mayor of New York’s third largest city has suspended seven police officers involved in the suffocation death of a Black man last March.
Daniel Prude died March 30 when his family took him off life support, seven days after officers who encountered him running naked through the street put a hood over his head to stop him from spitting, then held him down for about two minutes.
"To see that video and to see my father in a state of helplessness where he was complying and he wasn't giving anybody a hard time and he was in need of help is devastating," said Tashyra Prude, Daniel Prude's daughter, "No body deserves to die when they are in need. No body deserves to die in police custody. The police are put out to protect and serve, not kill."
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren announced the suspension of the officers Thursday.
"What I was told was that he had overdosed and that they were taking him to the hospital for possible overdose and that he may die and that this would be investigated," said Mayor Warren, "When I watched that video I was enraged. I wanted to come forward that day."
She said the officers would still be paid because of contract rules.
Messages left with the union representing Rochester police officers were not immediately returned Thursday.
