A grand jury will review evidence gathered by the New York State Attorney General's office regarding Daniel Prude's death, which the Monroe County Medical Examiner has ruled a homicide.
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement on Saturday:
“The Prude family and the Rochester community have been through great pain and anguish. My office will immediately move to empanel a grand jury as part of our exhaustive investigation into this matter.”
Prude died in March, but Rochester Police body camera footage was shown to the public on Wednesday. Prude's family released that footage, which showed Prude's interaction with police seven days before his death.
Local and statewide officials praised James' decision.
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said:
“I thank Attorney General James for taking this action because it is a trying time in Rochester. I ask that the community to allow the AG’s process to go forth on behalf of the Prude family.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo also thanked James for calling for a grand jury.
Cuomo said in a statement:
“Earlier this week, I called for the investigation into Daniel Prude's death to be expedited. Today, I applaud Attorney General Tish James for taking swift, decisive action in empaneling a grand jury -- justice delayed is justice denied and the people of New York deserve the truth."
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello also issued a statement, saying:
"Daniel Prude’s life mattered and the tragic circumstance surrounding his death has caused enormous pain for our community. We have all been left with too many questions and not enough answers. Attorney General Letitia James’ announcement that she will move to empanel a grand jury is an important first step in getting those answers that Mr. Prude’s family and our community rightfully deserve.
Rochester Police Locust Club President Michael Mazzeo says that the AG's office is conducting a fair and unbiased investigation, and supports the announcement:
"We understand and support New York Attorney General Letitia James announcement to complete an exhaustive investigation. We believe that an independent Investigation that is conducted by her office in a fair and unbiased way determining and seeking the truth is needed in our community.”
