Mayor Rich David is calling on his fellow elected officials to condemn the group responsible for Monday's Columbus Day protests. He said Republicans and Democrats should stand united against the group known as Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow. 

The self-described radical group has frequently spoken out against members of law enforcement.

They brought yesterday's parade to a halt, when members made a human shield to protest the Broome County Jail.  Their leader claims 10 people have died there since 2011 and took aim at the jail's alleged lack of medical care.

The state department of corrections confirmed eight deaths from 2011 to 2018. Following the protest, four members of PLOT were arrested.

The group later called the protest a "win." David on the other hand, says this is a much bigger issue.

"This is not about one parade, and it's not about Columbus Day. It's about years of anti-police fringe rhetoric that has been manifesting in a number of ways and it's time that we shine a spotlight on this organization," said David.

"They chose to make a family event and turn it into their so-called political statement which I don’t think too many people in this community is buying into. They're trying to divide us, not bring us together. They have this rhetoric against the police. They've never come forward with anything positive, it's always trying to beat down the police, make false accusations and lie," said Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo released a statement saying, “While I certainly appreciate and value everyone’s right to free speech, yesterday was about celebrating Italian heritage and an opportunity for student musicians to showcase their talents.”

“As a father of three young boys I completely understand how this protest frightened children attending the parade,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar in his statement released Tuesday. As such, the time and place were not appropriate. Our Broome County residents do have every right to have their voices heard and I support that as long as they are doing so in a peaceful, respectful manner.”

PLOT was protesting Broome County Jail. We reached out to the state's commission of corrections and they were able to confirm eight in custody deaths at the jail from 2011 to 2018.

Sheriff Harder says since he's held his position there have been 11 deaths in the jail, dating back to 1998.

In a press release sent out by PLOT, the group claims the Broome County Jail has "inhumane and deadly conditions."

"The conditions of the jail are good. It's a clean run facility, on the medical side we just got inspected two weeks ago by the commissioner corrections medical people. They found everything was in great order," said Sheriff Harder.

PLOT is planning another protest Monday as four of its members are being arraigned in Binghamton City Courts.