The black Rochester man died in police custody back in March.
The demonstration – reportedly involving around 1,000 people – kicked off in Rochester, New York on Friday evening, with participants marching through residential areas towards the downtown. As the procession approached Court Street, it was met by a large police presence.
Law enforcers have declared the gathering an “unlawful assembly,” demanding that the rally disperses. Officers warned demonstrators that they would be arrested if they carried on protesting – yet many did so, while others obeyed and left the street.
At one point, the standoff devolved into scuffles, with police firing tear gas into the crowd.
Court Street cleared up to an extent, but the unrest spilled over into other parts of the city. Local reports mentioned restaurants being “shut down” by a throng of rioters that was filmed breaking tables and making diners flee for safety.
As the chaos continued, videos emerged online purportedly showing some agitated protesters who called on residents not to document crimes should they occur. “If you ain’t police, don’t report crimes!” a person is heard shouting in the footage.
