A scary scene is playing out in Rochester, New York early this week, as protesters clash with authorities in the wake of a police-involved incident.
In this latest scandal to rock the world of law enforcement, Rochester police were seen on bodycam video handcuffing and pepper-spraying a 9-year-old girl who was said to be having a mental health episode at the time of her interaction with the police.
Now, as New Yorkers take to the streets in protest, the scene is turning heated.
Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets of Rochester Monday afternoon to protest in response to a nine-year-old girl who was pepper-sprayed by police late last week. An officer used handcuffs and “an irritant” on the minor who reportedly threatened to harm herself, RochesterFirst.com reported.
A custodial parent called the police and reported she intended to cause self-harm to herself and others. She then fled from the residence. The responding officers chased the girl down and handcuffed her when she refused to cooperate.
When she would not put her feet in the police car, one of the officers sprayed her with the “irritant,” the local news outlet stated.
The girl became “agitated when she saw her custodial parent,” officials said. “This caused the minor to pull away and kick at officers, which required an officer to take the minor down to the ground.”
Monday afternoon, protesters began marching in the streets in response.
Social media users were quick to share imagery from the ruckus online.
There’s an active protest on North Clinton Avenue at the police station in Rochester New York this is after a nine-year-old girl was pepper sprayed by police a few days ago. More updates coming shortly. #ROC @GSLSHOW pic.twitter.com/0mxPml3hk6
— Geoffery Rogers (@GeofferyRogers) February 1, 2021
Protest happeing right now over the pepper spraying of a 9 year old girl by Rochester Police on Friday. https://t.co/60CTExWqqc
— Ginny Ryan (@ginnyryan) February 1, 2021
Breaking: BLM rioters are starting to break apart the barricade around the Rochester police station. pic.twitter.com/6Sno3wNKAU
— Andy Ngô ?️? (@MrAndyNgo) February 1, 2021
We can only hope that police and protesters keep it civil in the hours and days ahead.
