Eric Garner Case Outcome
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner was killed by police on Staten Island, New York, after he was stopped for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. The incident gained national attention and sparked protests against police brutality and racial profiling. The officer who killed Garner, Daniel Pantaleo, was never charged with a crime. In 2019, the New York City Council passed a bill to create a new civilian complaint review board with the power to fire police officers for misconduct.
Background
Eric Garner was a 43-year-old father of six. He had a history of asthma and heart problems. On the day he was killed, Garner was walking down the street when he was approached by police officers who accused him of selling loose cigarettes. Garner refused to be arrested and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, one of the officers, Daniel Pantaleo, put Garner in a chokehold. Garner repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” but the officers did not release him. Garner lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital, where he died.
The incident was captured on video by a bystander. The video shows Garner being pinned down by several officers, with Pantaleo’s arm around his neck. Garner can be heard saying, “I can’t breathe” 11 times before he loses consciousness. The video sparked outrage and led to widespread protests against police brutality and racial profiling.
A grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo in Garner’s death. The Justice Department also declined to bring federal charges against Pantaleo. In 2019, the New York City Council passed a bill to create a new civilian complaint review board with the power to fire police officers for misconduct. The bill was signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Eric Garner Case Outcome
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner, a 43-year-old Staten Island man, died after being placed in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo. The incident sparked widespread protests and raised questions about the use of force by police. In December 2014, a grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo, leading to further outrage and accusations of racial bias. The Justice Department later declined to pursue federal charges against Pantaleo as well.
The Incident
On July 17, 2014, Garner was arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes outside a Staten Island convenience store. According to witness accounts, officers approached Garner and attempted to arrest him. Garner resisted, and officer Pantaleo placed him in a chokehold. Despite Garner’s repeated pleas of "I can’t breathe," Pantaleo continued to hold him in the chokehold until he lost consciousness. Garner was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Investigation
The NYPD launched an internal investigation into Garner’s death, which concluded that Pantaleo used a "prohibited chokehold." Pantaleo was suspended from duty pending a departmental trial, but he was not charged with any crime. In December 2014, a Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo, citing insufficient evidence. The decision was met with widespread criticism and protests.
Federal Investigation
In March 2015, the Justice Department announced that it would launch a federal investigation into Garner’s death. The investigation was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. In July 2019, the Justice Department declined to pursue federal charges against Pantaleo, citing insufficient evidence to prove that he had violated Garner’s civil rights.
Civil Lawsuit
In 2015, Garner’s family filed a civil lawsuit against the City of New York and Pantaleo. The lawsuit alleged that Garner’s death was caused by excessive and unreasonable force. In 2018, the city settled the lawsuit for $5.9 million. Pantaleo was fired from the NYPD in 2019 after a departmental trial found him guilty of violating department policy.
Eric Garner Case Outcome
In July 2014, Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man, was killed by New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo after being placed in a chokehold during an arrest. The incident sparked widespread protests and outrage, and many demanded justice for Garner. After a lengthy investigation, Pantaleo was indicted on charges of manslaughter. However, in 2019, he was acquitted by a jury, leaving many wondering what went wrong.
Background
On July 17, 2014, police officers responded to a call about Garner selling untaxed cigarettes in Staten Island, New York. As officers attempted to arrest Garner, he resisted and was placed in a chokehold by Pantaleo. Garner repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” but Pantaleo continued to hold him down until he lost consciousness. Garner was pronounced dead later that day.
The Trial
Pantaleo was indicted on charges of manslaughter, but he was acquitted by a jury in 2019. The jury deliberated for six days before reaching a verdict. While some jurors believed that Pantaleo’s actions were justified, others felt that he used excessive force. The acquittal sparked further protests and frustration, with many calling for police reforms and accountability.
Fallout
The Eric Garner case highlighted the ongoing problem of police brutality in the United States. It also raised questions about the use of excessive force, particularly against people of color. The case led to increased calls for police reforms, including the use of body cameras and stricter training on de-escalation techniques.
Legacy
Eric Garner’s death has had a lasting impact on the United States. His name has become synonymous with the fight against police brutality and racial injustice. His case has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of accountability and transparency in policing. While the outcome of the trial was disappointing for many, Garner’s legacy will continue to inspire efforts for justice and equality.
Eric Garner Case Outcome
Eric Garner’s tragic death on July 17, 2014, as a result of a police chokehold, has had a profound impact on the United States. The case has sparked widespread protests, ignited debates about police brutality and racial profiling, and fueled calls for police reform.
The Incident
Garner, a 43-year-old African American father of six, was approached by police officers on Staten Island, New York, for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. During the encounter, officers attempted to arrest Garner, who resisted. Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed Garner in a chokehold, a maneuver that is banned by the New York Police Department. Video footage captured Garner repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe,” before he lost consciousness.
The Investigation and Trial
The incident was investigated by the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office, which declined to bring charges against Pantaleo. A federal grand jury also declined to indict Pantaleo, citing a lack of evidence that he intended to cause Garner’s death. The decision not to prosecute sparked outrage and further protests.
The Aftermath
Garner’s death became a rallying cry for activists and protesters across the country. Protests erupted in cities such as New York, Ferguson, and Baltimore, demanding justice for Garner and an end to police brutality. The protests raised awareness of racial profiling and excessive police force, and led to increased scrutiny of police practices.
The Garner case also prompted calls for police reform. Advocates argued for stricter use-of-force guidelines, body cameras, and increased accountability for officers. In some jurisdictions, new laws were passed to limit the use of chokeholds and other dangerous tactics.
The legacy of Eric Garner continues to shape the national conversation on race, policing, and civil rights. His death has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle against police brutality and racial injustice.
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