After Police Chief La’Ron Singletary denied stepping down when confronted about the Danial Prude situation on a news conference Sunday, he and the entire command staff of the police department in Rochester, New York, have now resigned.
What We Know:
- The resignation on Tuesday follows talk of how the death of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man with mental health issues, died at the hands of police back in March. Mayor Lovely Warren announced a police reform as a result of the public outcry when videos of the confrontation surfaced recently.
- According to a news release from the department, Chief Singletary announced that he would be retiring after two decades on the force, despite previously denying rumors of his departure just a few days ago. Singletary stated that the events of the past few weeks have been to destroy his “character and integrity”.
Breaking: Chief Singletary Dep Chief Simmons retire the day they get sued in federal court. Handful of other RPD officers (some suspended) named in the suit. @news10nbc pic.twitter.com/DrbiYrJN6O
— Berkeley Brean (@whec_bbrean) September 8, 2020
- It is unclear what drove the spontaneous decision now, especially after the blatant denial that it would occur. His departure has officially been deemed retirement, and after filling out the necessary paperwork, the chief and the other officers will reportedly still be able to use their pension and health benefits.
- The now-former 40-year-old police chief stated in his resignation letter, “the members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for.”
“The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude’s death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for,” he continued.
- Aside from Chief Singletary, Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito and Commander Fabian Rivera announced their retirements Tuesday as well. Two others who didn’t retire, Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor, were demoted to lieutenant.
- During a City Council briefing Tuesday, Warren confirmed the departure of the listed individuals. She remained firm on her stance from Sunday’s conference that Singletary was not asked to resign. In the same council meeting Tuesday, she went onto say he did his very best during his time in the role.
Moreover, Daniel’s sister, Tameshay Prude, has now sued the city of Rochester and some members of the police department Tuesday, including Singletary. The 82-page federal suit, filed by Tameshay in the Western District of New York, accuses the police department of a cover-up, unlawful use of force, and intentional disregard for his medical needs.
