The city of Rochester, New York, has suspended several police officers following the release of disturbing body-camera footage showing them pepper-spraying a distraught, handcuffed 9-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on Friday, January 29, 2021, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for police reform.
The video shows the young girl, dressed in a black sweatshirt and flowered leggings, struggling with officers in the snow. She repeatedly cries for her father and pleads with officers to remove the snow from her, saying, “It’s cold.” Instead of comforting her, officers are heard shouting commands and telling her to “stop acting like a child.” The girl’s heartbreaking response, “I am a child,” underscores the disturbing nature of the situation.
The officers were responding to a report of “family trouble,” and according to Deputy Police Chief Andre Anderson, the girl was described as suicidal. However, the footage raises serious questions about the officers’ handling of the situation and the excessive use of force against a vulnerable child. The girl was ultimately taken to Rochester General Hospital and later released to her family.
Community Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The release of the body-camera footage on Sunday, January 31, 2021, ignited a firestorm of criticism and calls for police accountability. Mayor Lovely Warren expressed her outrage, calling the incident “simply horrible.” She stated that she was limited in her ability to take immediate action due to state law and union contracts.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office was “looking into” the incident, describing it as “deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable.” This incident follows another high-profile case in Rochester involving the death of Daniel Prude, who died after officers placed a hood over his head and pressed his face into the pavement. James empaneled a grand jury to investigate the officers’ actions in the Prude case.
Governor Andrew Cuomo also condemned the officers’ actions, stating, “As a human, this incident is disturbing and as a father, it’s heartbreaking—this isn’t how the police should treat anyone, let alone a 9-year-old girl.” He called for a full investigation and emphasized the need for police accountability in Rochester.
Demands for Police Reform and Legislation
The incident has fueled calls for significant police reform, particularly regarding how law enforcement interacts with individuals experiencing mental health crises. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) demanded that Rochester police no longer be involved in such situations. NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman stated, “There is no conceivable justification for the Rochester police to subject a 9-year-old to pepper spray, period.”
State Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblyman Demond Meeks, both Democrats representing Rochester, announced legislation to prohibit the use of chemical agents against minors by police officers. Senator Brouk emphasized the vulnerability of the child, stating, “We have to remember who we’re talking about here. This is a child. She’s in elementary school.”
The Incident and Police Response
The police department’s initial statement claimed the girl disobeyed commands to put her feet in the car, requiring an officer to use an “irritant.” This explanation has been met with skepticism and criticism, given the girl’s age and apparent distress. The video shows the girl handcuffed and surrounded by multiple officers, raising questions about the necessity of using pepper spray.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Systemic Change
The suspension of the officers involved is a first step towards accountability. However, many community members and advocates are demanding more comprehensive action to address the underlying issues that led to this incident. The calls for police reform, changes in how mental health crises are handled, and legislation to protect children from excessive force are gaining momentum. This incident highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the Rochester Police Department and a broader conversation about the role of law enforcement in society. The long-term impact of this incident remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the community and the nation.
