Onlookers were quick to mischaracterize a protest that took place in Rochester one year after the death of Daniel Prude. As protesters gathered at a local grocery store in the area, employees closed their doors to demonstrators. Inside the store, employees were kept in place. Outside the store, peaceful demonstrators remained in the parking lot with signs, music and food. However, few media outlets mischaracterized the protest group as a "mob" that forced the store to lock customers and employees inside against their will.
“BLM protesters Mob Store, Trapping 100 Customers Inside: 'We’re Shutting S*** Down,'" The Daily Wire tweeted.
Fortunately, there were a few local reporters on the scene that were able to clear up any misconceptions. Most notably, WROC reporter Kayla Green offered an honest play-by-play of the day's events.
“Wegmans closed doors and customers were kept inside temporarily, but were let out soon after,” Green tweeted.
“Protesters never entered the store, protesters are currently listening to music and eating pizza in the parking lot, nobody is ‘trapped’ inside.”
Adding on, Wegmans offered a brief statement explaining what took place during the demonstration. Most importantly, the grocery store clarified that no one was trapped inside of the store.
“Our East Ave. store is currently closed due to protest activity taking place outside of the store. At this time, no customers remain in the store, and the doors will remain closed. Our number one priority is the safety of our employees and customers," the grocery store chain stated.
These demonstrations were held in honor of Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old father who died of asphyxiation shortly after being pinned to the ground by local police officers. In the 365 days following his death, none of the officers involved in the encounter have faced criminal charges.
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