Rochester Police Retires Following The Death Of Yet Another Black Man
New York: The leadership of a New York state police force has stepped down following the death of a black man who was hooded and restrained during an arrest.
Announcing his retirement, Rochester police chief La'Ron Singletary said he could not stand by as his handling of the case was being distorted.
A grand jury will help determine whether charges should be brought over Daniel Prude's death in March.
Seven police officers involved in his arrest have been suspended.
Mr Prude, 41, was said to be suffering from acute mental health problems when police were called. Officers found him running naked in the street in light snowfall and restrained him with a "spit hood", which is designed to protect police from detainees' saliva.
Footage of the incident emerged only recently, igniting fresh protests three months after anti-racism demonstrations rocked the US following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
Chief Singletary said in his statement on Tuesday: "As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character."
"The mischaracterisation and the politicisation of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr Prude's death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for," he added.
Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito also said he would retire, adding that he had worked on the police force for 34 years.
The police chief has denied his department tried to keep details of Mr Prude's death out of public view.
The police union said officers had followed their training "step by step".
The spit hood is standard equipment for officers, said Michael Mazzaeo, president of the Rochester Police Locust Club, a union.
He added that the officers were in a difficult position trying to help someone who appeared to have a mental illness.
Protests in Rochester have taken place nightly following the release of the footage
President Donald Trump, a Republican who is accusing Democrats of being anti-police ahead of November's election, tweeted about the resignations.
"The Democrat Mayor and, of courses [sic], Governor Cuomo, have no idea what to do. New York State is a mess," he posted.
Other senior commanders may also retire, Mayor Warren said according to AP news agency.
The city leader has already said systemic racism led to Mr Prude's death.
Rochester Mayor, Lovely Warren also said she had not asked for Mr Singletary's resignation.
