Five years ago: Black Lives Matter rally in Rochester, chaotic aftermath
On this day in May 2020, protests began in Downtown Rochester after the murder of George Floyd during an encounter with police in Minneapolis.
Hundreds of people showed up to Rochester's Black Lives Matter rally, but as it was ending, chaos ensued near the Public Safety Building. Cars were seen burning, police cars were vandalized, and there was looting. Multiple people were arrested and charged with the car fires and destruction of public property.
Multiple community members praised the peaceful protests but condemned the destructive aftermath. Police said it was caused by 'professional protesters' and 'outsiders.' Then-Mayor Lovely Warren said the actions of these people overshadowed the protests.
After the destruction, many residents in the community pitched in to help as businesses that were affected began to rebuild. Protests continued and would pick up again later that year, upon the community learning about the death of Daniel Prude.
Free the People Roc plans to hold an event at 6 p.m. Friday evening at the Lodge in MLK Park. The event is described as a celebration and a time to look to the road ahead.
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