One day after the U.S Department of Justice dismissed the charges against Officer Pantaleo, supporters of the Garner family gathered in Foley Square in New York City on late Wednesday afternoon to remember the life of Eric Garner who died on July 17, 2014 and demanded that justice finally be served. Mr. Garner, a 43-year-old Staten Island man, was killed lying face down on a Staten Island sidewalk, uttering the words “I can’t breathe” eleven times when NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in an illegal and fatal chokehold. Garner’s death was later ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner’s office.
Activists from youth organizations alongside Gwen Carr, Mr. Garner’s mother, and his family demanded that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio finally fire not only Pantaleo but also the officers who were on the scene on that tragic day.
Mrs. Carr thanked all those who supported her during those five difficult years, “My son was killed five years ago today. And I’m still feeling that same pain. I just appreciate the support that I’m getting from all of you. You’re the ones who stand with me when the cameras are on and when they go dark.” Addressing the youth organizers, “This makes my heart smile, especially the youth because you are the ones that are usually the target. We can’t let that be the norm; you deserve the chance to walk these streets.”
Marianne, a youth organizer with “Make the Road New York” demanded that Mayor de Blasio finally take action and fire Pantaleo, “It is revolting that the Mayor continues to fail to protect black people. He’s responsible for the city, giving raises to officers who are killing and harming us. This city has continually failed to provide dignity and respect to young people and communities of color as a whole. We need to hold the NYPD accountable and fire all officers involved in the killing of the Eric Garner. Do it now. Not five days from now, not five weeks from now, not five months from now, do it now. For as long as these officers are manning our streets, we are Eric Garner, we need justice, and we need it now.” Mayor de Blasio has referred the decision about Officer Pantaleo’s fate to Police Commissioner O’Neill claiming that his hands are tied.
After the rally in Foley Square, several hundred protestors marched to 1 Police Plaza carrying five coffins marked with Eric Garner’s name and with messages calling for the firing of the police officers who were involved in the death of Mr. Garner.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo remains on the force with a desk job. He was never charged criminally by local prosecutors and faced a disciplinary trial in May. The outcome of this trial is still pending, and Pantaleo could face disciplinary charges ranging from loss of vacation days to the loss of his job if found guilty.
More Scenes from “5 Years Later: We are Eric Garner” event:
