Rochester, New York’s police chief and two of his deputies resigned this week over the unfair treatment they’ve experienced from protesters and city officials in the wake of Daniel Prude’s death.
Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary, who is African–American, explained during a press conference this week that he was resigning because his character was being maligned over the police department’s response to the death of Prude, who died in March after being restrained by police officers.
“As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character. The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity,” Singletary said.
“The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for,” he continued. “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.”
Police Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito and Deputy Chief Mark Simmons also resigned.
Singletary’s departure is just the latest in a series of police chief resignations across the country.
Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall, who is also African–American, announced that she too would be stepping down amidst growing calls to reform the police department.
Hall did not offer a specific reason for why she was resigning, but Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said her pending departure was not surprising.
Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best also left the force earlier this summer, citing efforts by city leaders to slash the police budget.
President Donald Trump blasted the Democratic officials who are forcing these black law enforcement officers out.
In Singletary’s case, the blame lies solely with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, according to Trump.
Police Chief, and most of the police in Rochester, N.Y., have resigned. The Democrat Mayor and, of courses, Governor Cuomo, have no idea what to do. New York State is a mess – No Money, High Taxes & Crime, Everyone Fleeing. November 3rd. We can fix it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2020
