NYCLU on AG Grand Jury Declining to Bring Charges Against Officers Involved in Daniel Prude’s Death

NEW YORK – Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded her investigation into the Rochester Police Department’s killing of Daniel Prude, announcing the grand jury’s ruling that the officers involved in the fatal encounter will not face charges.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from executive director Donna Lieberman:

“The Rochester Police Department took Daniel Prude’s life while he was in crisis. He deserved services and supports, not for his life to end. The City of Rochester subsequently withheld body camera footage and the RPD subjected residents peacefully protesting Prude’s murder and calling for systemic change to abuse.

“Despite these truths, the Attorney General’s grand jury opted for impunity, not accountability. This is not justice.

“We will not stop fighting for justice in Daniel Prude’s memory to protect others from being killed by police because they experience a mental health crisis.

“Mental health crises require mental health expertise, not violence at the hands of the police. It’s time for a complete transformation of community safety, beginning with removing the RPD from the role of first responders in mental health crises and putting trained mental health professionals in charge.”