December 12th, 2023

Tonight, December 12th, the Monroe County Legislature meeting was disrupted and paused by an unruly protest from pro-Palestinian supporters, which led to an abrupt end of the public forum and prevented citizens from sharing their views with their representatives. The protestors' intimidating behavior towards elected officials and to other citizens present was unacceptable.

The County Executive and the Monroe County Legislature will not tolerate an unsafe environment for community members who come to speak and watch the monthly meeting. We condemn this behavior. Rest assured the administration and the Legislature will take all necessary measures to ensure that the public forum remains a safe and respectful space for everyone to express their views.

The chanting and shouting was threatening and alarming to the members of the Jewish community and legislators present in legislative chambers. The protest sought to shut down the work of county government. It failed. The Monroe County Legislature proceeded with the remaining items on the agenda and was able to accomplish real work for our local community. Thank you to the men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s to Office, the Rochester Police Department and New York State Police for their professional handling and dispersal of the protesters.