A Black man died of asphyxiation earlier this year after Rochester police officers pinned him to the ground for an extended period of time. Police have now released bodycam footage showing the moment’s leading to 41-year-old Daniel Prude’s death.
Prude allegedly had small amounts of PCP in his system. Prude was handcuffed while naked when police put a “spit hood” over his head. Police pinned Prude facedown on the pavement for at least two minutes.
Prude was then taken in an ambulance to a nearby hospital where laid on life support for a week being pronounced dead on March 30. The Monroe County Medical Examiner cited the official cause of death as “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.”
Prude’s family is filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
State Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement, “The death of Daniel Prude was a tragedy, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” adding, “I share the community’s concerns about ensuring a fair and independent investigation into his death and support their right to protest. Pursuant to Executive Order 147, the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit of my office is already actively investigating this incident. As with every investigation, we will follow the facts of this case and ensure a complete and thorough examination of all relevant parties. We will work tirelessly to provide the transparency and accountability that all our communities deserve.”