New York State AG moves to empanel grand jury in Prude case

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that her office is moving to empanel a grand jury as part of the investigation into the death of Daniel Prude.

“The Prude family and the Rochester community have been through great pain and anguish," she said in a statement released Saturday. "My office will immediately move to empanel a grand jury as part of our exhaustive investigation into this matter.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo welcomed the move, releasing the following 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."

Mayor Lovely Warren of Rochester also commented on the grand jury, saying in a statement that "I thank Attorney General James for taking this action because it is a trying time in Rochester. I ask that the community allow the AG’s process to go forth on behalf of the Prude family.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello also released a statement in support of the move.

"Daniel Prude’s life mattered and the tragic circumstance surrounding his death has caused enormous pain for our community," he wrote. "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."

Mike Mazzeo of the Rochester police union, the Locust Club, also released a statement:

"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."

The empanelling of a grand jury has been one of the most common demands of activists in the days since video was released showing the events that led to the death of Daniel Prude. Seven police officers connected to the case have since been suspended, although activists continue to call for more action to be done.