07/23/2026
The violence in Rochester is real. But restricting peaceful people is not the same as punishing criminals.
Mayor Malik Evans has imposed a new rule prohibiting groups of 10 or more people from gathering in public spaces between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without government permission. Violating the order may result in a misdemeanor charge.
Think about what that means.
Shooting someone is already illegal.
Carrying an illegal gun is already illegal.
Assaulting someone is already illegal.
Starting a violent riot is already illegal.
A person willing to fire into a crowd will not suddenly reconsider because the eleventh person showed up.
This order does not focus first on the criminal act. It places peaceful residents, workers, friends, families, and ordinary citizens under a new presumption: once enough people stand together after a certain hour, government permission is required.
That is not a substitute for policing, arrests, prosecution, consequences, parental accountability, and restoring public order.
We recognize the serious violence that prompted this action. Rochester residents deserve to feel safe. But public safety must not become an open-ended excuse for permanently expanding emergency power over lawful people.
The limit is ten today.
What prevents it from becoming five tomorrow?
What prevents the hours from expanding?
What prevents temporary emergency authority from becoming normal government?
We learned during COVID how quickly extraordinary government restrictions can become accepted simply because officials say they are necessary.
Rochester needs leadership that targets offenders—not ordinary citizens exercising their freedom to associate.
Punish criminal conduct. Protect peaceful assembly. Restore public safety without sacrificing constitutional liberty.
Join us. Get involved. Make a difference.
Text “ROC” to 585-204-7719.
