10 Years Since the Death of Eric Garner: A Decade of Struggle for Justice
What to Know
- Authorities in New York determined that officer Daniel Pantaleo had used a chokehold banned by the NYPD in the 1990s, and the city medical examiner’s office ruled Eric Garner’s death a homicide, but neither state nor federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against Pantaleo or any other officer
- Garner’s dying cry of “I can’t breathe” as he was restrained by New York City police officers became a slogan of the Black Lives Matter movement. He died in 2014 on Staten Island
- Six years later, George Floyd was recorded uttering the exact same words as he begged for air while a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck, sparking a new wave of mass protests
Wednesday marks 10 years since the death of Eric Garner at the hands of New York City police officers made “I can’t breathe” a rallying cry.
The Confrontation and Death
Bystander video showed Garner gasping the phrase while locked in a police chokehold and spurred Black Lives Matter protests in New York and across the country. More demonstrations followed weeks later when Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014.
A New Wave of Protests
Six years later, George Floyd was recorded uttering the exact same words as he begged for air while a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck, sparking a new wave of mass protests.
A Mother’s Fight for Justice
Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, planned to lead a march honoring her son Wednesday morning on Staten Island, the borough where Garner died after being restrained by Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Carr told TV station NY1 that she is still trying to keep her son’s name relevant and fighting for justice.
Investigation and Outcomes
Authorities in New York determined that Pantaleo had used a chokehold banned by the NYPD in the 1990s, and the city medical examiner’s office ruled Garner’s death a homicide, but neither state nor federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against Pantaleo or any other officer
No Federal Charges Filed
“Even if we could prove that Officer Pantaleo’s hold of Mr. Garner constituted unreasonable force, we would still have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Pantaleo acted willfully in violation of the law,” Richard Donoghue, then the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, said in announcing in 2019 that no federal civil rights charges would be brought.
Conclusion
Garner’s death has become a symbol of police brutality and systemic racism, sparking widespread protests and demands for justice. Despite the lack of criminal charges, Garner’s family continues to fight for accountability and change.
FAQs
What happened to Eric Garner?
Eric Garner died on July 17, 2014, after a confrontation with New York City police officers who suspected he was selling loose, untaxed cigarettes on the street.
Why did the police stop Garner?
The police suspected Garner was selling loose, untaxed cigarettes on the street, which is a violation of New York state tax law.
What were the consequences for the officer who restrained Garner?
Officer Daniel Pantaleo was fired in 2019 after a police disciplinary proceeding.
What did the city settle with the Garner family?
The city settled a lawsuit with the Garner family for $5.9 million.
Who is responsible for Eric Garner’s death?
The exact circumstances of Garner’s death are still disputed, with some holding the officer who restrained him, Daniel Pantaleo, responsible for his death, while others argue that Garner’s death was the result of a combination of factors, including his underlying health conditions and the actions of the police.
