Killing of Eric Garner

{{Short description|2014 police killing of a black man in New York City}} {{redirect|Eric Garner|the Australian rules footballer|Eric Gardner}} {{use American English|date=September 2022}} {{use mdy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox event | title =  | image = Eric Garner police confrontation screenshot.PNG | caption = A frame from the video of Garner tackled by police | mapframe-zoom = 12 | date = {{Start date and age|2014|07|17}} | time = {{circa}} 3:30–3:45 p.m. (EDT)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/nyregion/eric-garner-police-chokehold-staten-island.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 13, 2015 |title=Beyond the Chokehold: The Path to Eric Garner's Death |first1=Al |last1=Baker |first2=J. David |last2=Goodman |first3=Benjamin |last3=Mueller |access-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082830/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/nyregion/eric-garner-police-chokehold-staten-island.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | place = 202 Bay Street, Staten Island, New York, U.S. | coordinates = {{Coord|40.63716|-74.07674|region:US-NY_type:event|display=inline,title}} | type = Homicide by suffocation,<ref name="NYTimesChokehold">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/nyregion/staten-island-man-died-from-officers-chokehold-autopsy-finds.html |work=The New York Times |last1=Goldstein |first1=Joseph |last2=Santora |first2=Marc |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=June 27, 2015 |title=Staten Island Man Dies From Chokehold During Arrest, Autopsy Finds |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083006/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/02/nyregion/staten-island-man-died-from-officers-chokehold-autopsy-finds.html |url-status=live }}</ref> police killing | cause = | participants = Daniel Pantaleo and Justin D'Amico (NYPD officers) | outcome = Pantaleo fired in August 2019 | reported deaths = Eric Garner | burial = | inquiries = | inquest = | arrests = | suspects = | accused = | convicted = | charges = None | verdict = | convictions = | litigation = $5.9 million out-of-court settlement | url =  | notes = {{Location map |USA New York Staten Island#New York#USA |float=center|position=left|mark=Yellow pog.svg |caption=|label=Death of Eric Garner}} }}

On July 17, 2014, '''Eric Garner''', an African American man, was killed in the New York City borough of Staten Island by Daniel Pantaleo, a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, after putting him in a prohibited chokehold while arresting him.<ref>{{cite news |title=The shifting ground |url=https://www.economist.com/united-states/2020/06/11/in-america-protests-have-already-brought-policy-changes |newspaper=The Economist |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083011/https://www.economist.com/united-states/2020/06/11/in-america-protests-have-already-brought-policy-changes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Christina |last=Carrega |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-determine-future-nypd-cop-accused-killing-eric/story?id=63502832 |date=June 7, 2019 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |title=Judge to suggest future for NYPD cop accused of killing Eric Garner with chokehold |website=ABC News |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082933/https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-determine-future-nypd-cop-accused-killing-eric/story?id=63502832 |url-status=live }}</ref> Video footage of the incident generated widespread national attention and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement.<ref name=wnyc/>

NYPD officers approached Garner on July 17 on suspicion of selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps. After Garner told the police that he was tired of being harassed and that he was not selling cigarettes, the officers attempted to arrest Garner. When Pantaleo placed his hands on Garner, Garner pulled his arms away. Pantaleo then placed his arm around Garner's neck and wrestled him to the ground. With multiple officers pinning him down, Garner repeated the words "I can't breathe" 11 times while lying face down on the sidewalk. After Garner lost consciousness, he remained lying on the sidewalk for seven minutes while the officers waited for an ambulance to arrive. Garner was pronounced dead at a hospital approximately one hour later.

The medical examiner ruled Eric Garner's death a homicide. Specifically, an autopsy indicated that Garner's death resulted from "[compression] of neck, compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police".<ref name="NYTimesChokehold"/> Asthma, heart disease, and obesity were cited as contributing factors.<ref name="Pearson01Aug2014">{{cite web |last=Pearson |first=Jake |date=August 1, 2014 |title=Autopsy: Police chokehold caused NYC man's death |url=https://bigstory.ap.org/article/medical-examiner-says-chokehold-police-officer-caused-death-nyc-man-ruled-homicide |url-status=dead |agency=AP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804033643/https://bigstory.ap.org/article/medical-examiner-says-chokehold-police-officer-caused-death-nyc-man-ruled-homicide |archive-date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref>

On December 4, 2014, a Richmond County grand jury decided not to indict Pantaleo. This decision led to protests and rallies, with charges of police brutality made by protesters. By December 28, 2014, at least 50 demonstrations had been held nationwide in response to the Garner case, while hundreds of demonstrations against general police brutality counted Garner as a focal point. On July 13, 2015, an out-of-court settlement was reached, under which the City of New York would pay the Garner family $5.9 million. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice declined to bring criminal charges against Pantaleo under federal civil rights laws. On August 2, 2019, at a New York Police Department disciplinary hearing regarding Pantaleo's treatment of Garner, an administrative judge, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials Rosemarie Maldonado, recommended that Pantaleo's employment be terminated.<ref name="cbsnews-20190802"/> Pantaleo was fired on August 19, 2019, more than five years after Garner's death.<ref name="nyt-20190819"/>

==People involved== ===Eric Garner=== Eric Bernard Garner (September 15, 1970 – July 17, 2014) was a 43-year-old African American man.<ref name="Goodman">{{cite news |last=Goodman |first=J. David |date=August 4, 2014 |title=Difficult Decisions Ahead in Responding to Police Chokehold Homicide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/nyregion/after-eric-garner-chokehold-prosecuting-police-is-an-option.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082830/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/nyregion/after-eric-garner-chokehold-prosecuting-police-is-an-option.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was a horticulturist at the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation before quitting for health reasons.<ref name="Times"/> Garner, who was married to Esaw Garner,<ref>{{cite news |first1=Kerry |last1=Burke |first2=Ginger Adams |last2=Otis |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/funeral-today-eric-garner-article-1.1877381 |title=Eric Garner, who died after NYPD chokehold, laid to rest |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=December 20, 2014 |archive-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624063951/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/funeral-today-eric-garner-article-1.1877381 |url-status=live }}</ref> was described by his friends as a "neighborhood peacemaker" and a generous, congenial person.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/friends-man-nyc-chokehold-case-gentle-giant-205839377.html |title=Friends: Man in NYC chokehold case 'gentle giant' |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=July 21, 2014 |access-date=July 21, 2014 |first=Rachelle |last=Blidner |archive-date=July 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722083614/http://news.yahoo.com/friends-man-nyc-chokehold-case-gentle-giant-205839377.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time of his death, he was the father of six children, including a then-3-month-old child,<ref>{{cite web |last=Lavis |first=Ryan |date=July 18, 2014 |title="He was a great dad," says family of man who died while being arrested in Tompkinsville |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/he_was_a_great_dad_says_family.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082949/https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/he_was_a_great_dad_says_family.html |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |publisher=SILive.com}}</ref> and had three grandchildren.<ref name="Times"/>

Garner had been arrested by the NYPD more than 30 times since 1980 on charges such as assault, resisting arrest, and grand larceny.<ref name="wsjdec4">{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-police-officer-wont-face-criminal-charges-in-eric-garner-death-1417635275 |title=New York City Police Officer Won't Face Criminal Charges in Eric Garner Death |first1=Rebecca Davis |last1=O'Brien |first2=Michael Howard |last2=Saul |first3=Pervaiz |last3=Shallwani |date=December 4, 2014 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=December 11, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082838/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-police-officer-wont-face-criminal-charges-in-eric-garner-death-1417635275 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Soraya Nadia |last=McDonald |title=Friends: Eric Garner was a 'gentle giant' |date=December 4, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/12/04/friends-eric-garner-was-a-gentle-giant/ |access-date=February 3, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/12/04/friends-eric-garner-was-a-gentle-giant/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to an article in ''The New York Times'', many of these arrests had been for allegedly selling unlicensed cigarettes.<ref name="Times" /> In 2007, he filed a handwritten complaint<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/253681968/Eric-Garner-Lawsuit-NYPD-Violated-Him-in-Eric-s-own-hand-writing-7-years-ago|title=Eric Garner Lawsuit NYPD Violated Him in Eric's own hand writing 7 years ago!|website=Scribd|date=January 11, 2008|quote=Case: 1:08-CV-00222-CBA-LB|access-date=March 13, 2015|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121201532/https://www.scribd.com/doc/253681968/Eric-Garner-Lawsuit-NYPD-Violated-Him-in-Eric-s-own-hand-writing-7-years-ago|url-status=live}}</ref> in federal court accusing a police officer of conducting a cavity search of him on the street, "digging his fingers in my rectum in the middle of the street" while people passed by.<ref name="Times">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/19/nyregion/staten-island-man-dies-after-he-is-put-in-chokehold-during-arrest.html |title=Man's Death After Chokehold Raises Old Issue for the Police |first1=Joseph |last1=Goldstein |first2=Nate |last2=Schweber |website=The New York Times |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=February 3, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082859/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/19/nyregion/staten-island-man-dies-after-he-is-put-in-chokehold-during-arrest.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Garner had, according to ''The New York Times'', "recently ... told lawyers at Legal Aid that he intended to take all the cases against him to trial".<ref name="Times"/> At the time of the incident, he was out on bail for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes, driving without a license, marijuana possession, and false personation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/northshore/2014/07/eric_garner_who_died_in_police.html |first=Frank |last=Donnelly |title=Misdemeanor cases over alleged untaxed cigarettes preceded fatal police incident with Eric Garner |date=July 18, 2014 |publisher=SILive.com |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082843/https://www.silive.com/northshore/2014/07/eric_garner_who_died_in_police.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Daniel Pantaleo=== At the time of Eric Garner's death, Daniel Pantaleo was a 29-year-old New York City Police Department officer living in Eltingville, Staten Island.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Schram | first1=Jamie | last2=Prendergast | first2=Daniel | title=Officer in chokehold arrest receives death threats online | website=New York Post | date=July 22, 2014 | url=https://nypost.com/2014/07/22/officer-who-choked-man-receiving-death-threats/ | access-date=February 3, 2017 | archive-date=February 10, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082844/https://nypost.com/2014/07/22/officer-who-choked-man-receiving-death-threats/ | url-status=live }}</ref> He joined the NYPD in 2006 after graduating from Monsignor Farrell High School, and with a bachelor's degree from the College of Staten Island. Pantaleo was the subject of two civil rights lawsuits in 2013 where plaintiffs accused him of falsely arresting them and abusing them. In one of the cases, he and other officers allegedly ordered two black men to strip naked on the street for a search and the charges against the men were dismissed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/acd/date/2014-12-01/segment/01 |title=CNN: Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees transcript Dec. 1, 2014 |date=December 1, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114234125/http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1412/01/acd.01.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dobnik |first1=Verena |last2=Pearson |first2=Jake |url=https://apnews.com/65aa12e16224489f9c41855c341dd006 |title=Officer in fatal NY arrest stripped of gun, badge |work=Associated Press |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082934/https://apnews.com/65aa12e16224489f9c41855c341dd006 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=csm>{{cite news |last=Jonsson |first=Patrik |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0802/Eric-Garner-ruled-victim-of-chokehold-homicide-Should-a-grand-jury-indict |title=Eric Garner ruled victim of chokehold 'homicide': Should a grand jury indict? |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=August 2, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082842/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0802/Eric-Garner-ruled-victim-of-chokehold-homicide-Should-a-grand-jury-indict |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/04/choke-hold-cop-pantaleo-sued/19899461/ |title=Choke-hold cop sued in prior misconduct cases |website=USA Today |first=Kevin |last=McCoy |date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082940/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/04/choke-hold-cop-pantaleo-sued/19899461/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Ramsey Orta=== {{main|Ramsey Orta}}

Ramsey Orta is a New York City man who filmed the incident.<ref name=indict/><ref name=orta/> Following a campaign of alleged police harassment after the video went viral,<ref name=orta/><ref name=essence2015/><ref>{{cite news | url = https://time.com/ramsey-orta-eric-garner-video/ | title = The Witness: One year after filming Eric Garner's fatal confrontation with police, Ramsey Orta's life has been upended | first = Josh | last = Sanburn | magazine = Time | date = July 17, 2015 | access-date = June 10, 2020 | archive-date = February 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083020/https://time.com/ramsey-orta-eric-garner-video/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="ramesy orta"/> he was arrested on weapons charges.<ref name=orta>{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=J. David |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/nyregion/after-recording-eric-garner-chokehold-ramsey-orta-gets-charged-with-gun-possession.html |title=Man Who Filmed Fatal Police Chokehold Is Arrested on Weapons Charges |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 3, 2014 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082857/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/nyregion/after-recording-eric-garner-chokehold-ramsey-orta-gets-charged-with-gun-possession.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Al Sharpton made a statement that prosecuting Orta while also calling him as a witness in the Garner case could constitute a conflict of interest.<ref name=orta/>

In February 2015, Orta was incarcerated on Rikers Island. In March 2015, a lockdown was initiated, and he was not permitted to prepare his own food. The prisoners were served meatloaf by the prison officers. After falling ill multiple times after eating food on Rikers, Orta believed he had been deliberately poisoned. He described that the other prisoners fell ill, vomiting blood, but the guards reportedly laughed, and no prisoners were taken to the infirmary. Court documents stated that the prisoners had suffered from various ailments after eating the food. Blue-green pellets were found in the meatloaf, and determined to be brodifacoum, the main ingredient of rat poison.<ref name=verge/> As a result, Orta stopped eating the food, only taking food passed to him from his visiting wife. He has alleged that prison officers booked him on false or trivial offenses in a biased manner, resulting in him not being able to receive food from his wife. Orta also claimed that the prison officers have threatened, insulted, and beaten him, and deliberately crushed the food from his wife. Orta stated that when he was initially arrested, a police officer told him it would be better for Orta to kill himself before he was jailed.<ref name=verge>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Chloe |title=Fearing for his life |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/13/18253848/eric-garner-footage-ramsey-orta-police-brutality-killing-safety |access-date=July 30, 2019 |date=March 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082856/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/13/18253848/eric-garner-footage-ramsey-orta-police-brutality-killing-safety |url-status=live }}</ref>

After prosecutors questioned whether the money raised for his bail was crowdsourced legally, Orta was released on bail on April 10, 2015.<ref name=essence2015>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Taylor |date=April 13, 2015 |title=Man who filmed Eric Garner's death released from jail |url=https://www.essence.com/news/man-who-filmed-eric-garners-death-released-jail/ |newspaper=Essence |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083049/https://www.essence.com/news/man-who-filmed-eric-garners-death-released-jail/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ramesy orta">{{cite interview |first=Ramsey |last=Orta |interviewer=Amy Goodman |date=April 13, 2015 |title=Ramsey Orta, Man Who Filmed NYPD Chokehold of Eric Garner, Is Released from Jail |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2015/4/13/ramsey_orta_man_who_filmed_nypd |newspaper=Democracy Now! |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082943/https://www.democracynow.org/2015/4/13/ramsey_orta_man_who_filmed_nypd |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, he was sentenced to four years in prison for weapons and drug charges after accepting a plea deal for which the prosecutor agreed to drop charges against his mother.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-eric-garner_n_57a9edbde4b0aae2a5a15142 |title=He Filmed The Death Of Eric Garner. Now He's Getting Ready To Spend 4 Years In Prison: Ramsey Orta, who says he's still haunted by Garner's death, thinks the NYPD is out for revenge |first=Christopher |last=Mathias |publisher=Huffington Post |date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082941/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-eric-garner_n_57a9edbde4b0aae2a5a15142 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-eric-garner_n_57f5019ae4b04c71d6f12ba4 |title = The Man Who Filmed the Eric Garner Video is Behind Bars |newspaper = Huffington Post |date = October 5, 2016 |last1 = Mathias |first1 = Christopher |access-date = June 18, 2020 |archive-date = February 10, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082854/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-eric-garner_n_57f5019ae4b04c71d6f12ba4 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=verge/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-orta-pantaleo-trial-20190116-story.html | title = Man who filmed death of Eric Garner will be first witness in NYPD trial of cop who used chokehold | first = Stephen Rex | last = Brown | work = New York Daily News | date = January 20, 2019 | access-date = July 2, 2019 | archive-date = February 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082906/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-orta-pantaleo-trial-20190116-story.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In May 2020, he was released from Groveland Correctional Facility,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ramsey-orta-jail-guards-beat-eric-garner-death-video-article-1.3596164|title=Ramsey Orta says he's been beaten by prison guards, thrown in solitary as retaliation for filming Eric Garner death|first=Stephen Rex|last=Brown|work=New York Daily News|date=October 29, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082858/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ramsey-orta-jail-guards-beat-eric-garner-death-video-article-1.3596164|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wnyc>{{cite web |url=https://www.wnyc.org/story/life-after-i-cant-breathe/ |title=Life After 'I Can't Breathe' |first=Alec |last=Hamilton |publisher=WNYC |date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082946/https://www.wnyc.org/story/life-after-i-cant-breathe/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/03/ramsey-orta-fears-for-his-life-in-prison |title=Ramsey Orta, Man Who Recorded Eric Garner's Death, Fears For His Life In Prison |date=March 15, 2019 |first=Latifah |last=Muhammad |publisher=Vibe |access-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082945/https://www.vibe.com/2019/03/ramsey-orta-fears-for-his-life-in-prison |url-status=live }}</ref> a release in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ehrlich|first=Brenna|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/ramsey-orta-eric-garner-prison-release-1011646/|title=Ramsey Orta, Man Who Filmed Eric Garner's Arrest, Has Been Released From Prison|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=June 8, 2020|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082945/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/ramsey-orta-eric-garner-prison-release-1011646/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Events of July 17, 2014== {{external media | float = right | width = 18em | video1 = {{YouTube|id=z0j-7L094d0|title=Full video (14:43)}} {{En dash}} recorded by Ramsey Orta and acquired by the ''Daily News''<ref>{{cite news |first=Ken |last=Murray |title=How the Daily News acquired the Eric Garner video |date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2015 |website=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/video-shows-fatally-choking-eric-garner-graphic-content-article-1.2289271 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082855/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/video-shows-fatally-choking-eric-garner-graphic-content-article-1.2289271 |url-status=live }}</ref> }}

On July 17, 2014, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Garner was approached by a plainclothes police officer, Justin D'Amico, in front of a beauty supply store at 202 Bay Street in Tompkinsville, Staten Island. According to bystanders (including a friend of Garner, Ramsey Orta, who recorded the incident on his cell phone<ref name="orta"/><ref>{{Cite news |first=Josh |last=Sanburn |date=July 22, 2014 |url=https://time.com/3016326/eric-garner-video-police-chokehold-death/ |title=Behind the Video of Eric Garner's Deadly Confrontation With New York Police |magazine=Time |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082911/https://time.com/3016326/eric-garner-video-police-chokehold-death/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=indict>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-indictment-eric-garner_n_6264746 |title=A Grand Jury Did Indict One Person Involved In Eric Garner's Killing -- The Man Who Filmed It |first=Nick |last=Wing |work=The Huffington Post |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082858/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ramsey-orta-indictment-eric-garner_n_6264746 |url-status=live }}</ref>), Garner had just broken up a fight, which may have drawn the attention of the police.<ref>{{cite news|first=Judith Browne|last=Dianis|url=https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/what-killed-eric-garner-msna381106 |title=Eric Garner was killed by more than just a chokehold|date=August 5, 2014|publisher=MSNBC|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820142452/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/what-killed-eric-garner|url-status=live}}</ref> Officers confronted Garner and accused him of selling "loosies" (single cigarettes without a tax stamp) in violation of New York state law.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 14, 2019|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-lawyers-opening-statements-chokehold-trial-eric-garner-death-20190513-gcgnnnuupvd3rnujbdkqmzcefe-story.html|title=Daniel Pantaleo's lawyer says accused cop saved Eric Garner's life in first day of NYPD disciplinary trial|first=Rocco Parascandola, Graham|last=Rayman|website=nydailynews.com|access-date=February 10, 2021|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083040/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-lawyers-opening-statements-chokehold-trial-eric-garner-death-20190513-gcgnnnuupvd3rnujbdkqmzcefe-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYDailyNews">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/staten-island-da-man-death-nypd-chokehold-article-1.1871946 |first1=Annie |last1=Karni |first2=Rocco |last2=Parascandola |first3=Larry |last3=McShane |title=Two cops pulled off streets, Staten Island DA looking into death of dad of six after NYPD cop put him in chokehold during sidewalk takedown |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210180508/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/staten-island-da-man-death-nypd-chokehold-article-1.1871946 |url-status=live }}</ref> Garner is heard on the video saying the following: {{quote|1=Get away [garbled] for what? Every time you see me, you want to mess with me. I'm tired of it. It stops today. Why would you...? Everyone standing here will tell you I didn't do nothing. I did not sell nothing. Because every time you see me, you want to harass me. You want to stop me [garbled] selling cigarettes. I'm minding my business, officer, I'm minding my business. Please just leave me alone. I told you the last time, please just leave me alone.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/us/garner-last-words|access-date=June 18, 2020|title=Eric Garner's haunting last words|first=Susanna|last=Capelouto|date=December 4, 2014|publisher=CNN|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082858/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/us/garner-last-words|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

When Pantaleo approached Garner from behind and attempted to handcuff him, Garner pulled his arms away, saying, "Don't touch me, please."<ref name="gothamist">{{cite news |first=Jen |last=Chung |url=https://gothamist.com/news/nypd-strips-badge-gun-from-cop-involved-in-fatal-chokehold |title=NYPD Strips Badge, Gun From Cop Involved In Fatal Chokehold |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501013056/http://gothamist.com/2014/07/20/nypd_strips_badge_gun_from_cop_invo.php |archive-date=May 1, 2015 |url-status=live |work=Gothamist |date=July 20, 2014 }}</ref> Pantaleo then placed his arm around Garner's neck<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|first1=Alissa|last1=Scheller|first2=Jan|last2=Diehm|title=The Chokehold Is Banned By NYPD, But Complaints About Its Use Persist|date=December 5, 2014|access-date=August 9, 2015|website=The Huffington Post|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nyc-police-chokeholds_n_6272000|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082945/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nyc-police-chokeholds_n_6272000|url-status=live}}</ref> and pulled him backward in an attempt to take him to the ground;<ref name="TheChief">{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Steier |title=Ex-NYPD Trials Chief: Need Special Prosecutor for Cases Like 'Garner' |date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014 |website=The Chief |url=https://thechiefleader.com/news/open_articles/ex-nypd-trials-chief-need-special-prosecutor-for-cases-like/article_43ce1012-7ee9-11e4-a516-c7c2a69c6975.html |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082856/https://thechiefleader.com/news/open_articles/ex-nypd-trials-chief-need-special-prosecutor-for-cases-like/article_43ce1012-7ee9-11e4-a516-c7c2a69c6975.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in the process, Pantaleo and Garner slammed into a glass window, which did not break.<ref name="Times"/> Garner went to his knees and forearms and did not say anything for a few seconds. At that point, three uniformed officers and the two plainclothes officers had surrounded him.<ref name="Times"/> After 15 seconds,<ref name=DemNow>{{cite news |title=Did the NYPD Let Eric Garner Die? Video Shows Police Ignored Pleas to Help Him After Chokehold |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2014/12/5/did_the_nypd_let_eric_garner |access-date=March 18, 2015 |at=at 19 minutes, 3 seconds into video |work=Democracy Now! |first=Harry |last=Siegel |interviewer=Amy Goodman |date=December 5, 2014 |quote=Officer Daniel Pantaleo chokes Garner for 15 seconds ... |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082916/https://www.democracynow.org/2014/12/5/did_the_nypd_let_eric_garner |url-status=live }}</ref> the video shows Pantaleo removing his arm from around Garner's neck; Pantaleo then used his hands to push Garner's face<ref name="TheChief"/> into the sidewalk while pinning him down.<ref name="Time">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N__5p_dNW3U | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/N__5p_dNW3U| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Behind the Eric Garner Video of a Deadly Confrontation With Police|publisher=YouTube|date=July 31, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Garner said "I can't breathe" eleven times while lying face down on the sidewalk.<ref name="usa 20141203">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/03/chokehold-grand-jury/19804577/ |title=Lawyer: Cop in chokehold case won't be charged |work=USA Today |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |last=Eversley |first=Melanie |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082948/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/03/chokehold-grand-jury/19804577/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The arrest was supervised by a female African-American NYPD sergeant, Kizzy Adonis, who did not intercede.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.laprogressive.com/watching-eric-garner-die/ |website=LA Progressive |title=Watching Eric Garner Die |access-date=December 21, 2014 |first=Cheryl |last=Dorsey |date=December 5, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082943/https://www.laprogressive.com/watching-eric-garner-die/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Adonis was quoted in the original police report as stating, "The perpetrator's condition did not seem serious and he did not appear to get worse."<ref>{{cite news |first1=Rolando |last1=Pujol |first2=Nicole |last2=Johnson |url=https://pix11.com/2014/07/31/exclusive-police-report-in-eric-garners-death-conflicts-with-videos-witnesses/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Police report in Eric Garner's death conflicts with videos |work=New York's PIX11 / WPIX-TV |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082900/https://www.pix11.com/2014/07/31/exclusive-police-report-in-eric-garners-death-conflicts-with-videos-witnesses/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A police sergeant called an ambulance and indicated that Garner was having trouble breathing, but reportedly added that he "did not appear to be in great distress".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2015/6/15/8782353/eric-garner-breathe-ambulance|title=One sentence that shows how terribly the NYPD treated Eric Garner|first=Dara|last=Lind|date=June 15, 2015|website=Vox|access-date=August 2, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082907/https://www.vox.com/2015/6/15/8782353/eric-garner-breathe-ambulance|url-status=live}}</ref> Garner lay motionless, handcuffed, and unresponsive for several minutes before an ambulance arrived, as shown in a second video.<ref name=WashingtonPost/><ref name="SIlive.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/cops_dug_through_garners_pocke.html |title=New video shows Eric Garner motionless on ground as police wait for EMS |work=Staten Island Advance |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |first=Zack |last=Koeske |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082908/https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/cops_dug_through_garners_pocke.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Garner lost consciousness, officers turned him onto his side to ease his breathing.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jericka |last=Duncan |title=Eric Garner case: Video of chokehold's aftermath raises new questions |date=December 6, 2014 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |publisher=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-tape-of-nypd-chokehold-raises-new-questions-in-eric-garner-case/ |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082909/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-tape-of-nypd-chokehold-raises-new-questions-in-eric-garner-case/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Garner remained lying on the sidewalk for seven minutes.<ref name="second">{{cite news |first=Caroline |last=Bankoff |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/07/cop-who-choked-garner-stripped-of-badge-and-gun.html |date=July 20, 2014 |title=Cop Who Choked Garner Stripped of Badge and Gun |publisher=New York |work=Daily Intelligencer |access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083030/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/07/cop-who-choked-garner-stripped-of-badge-and-gun.html |url-status=live }}</ref> When an ambulance arrived, EMTs checked his pulse but did little else for about two minutes before lifting him onto a stretcher.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Annese |first1=John |title=EMT who checked Eric Garner's pulse after fatal chokehold arrest returns to full duty |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/emt-checked-eric-garner-pulse-returns-full-duty-article-1.2528197 |website=New York Daily News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112213013/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/emt-checked-eric-garner-pulse-returns-full-duty-article-1.2528197 |archive-date=January 12, 2018 |date=February 11, 2016 }}</ref> According to police, Garner had a heart attack while being transported to Richmond University Medical Center.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bloom |first1=Deborah E. |last2=Imam |first2=Jareen |title=New York man dies after chokehold by police |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/20/justice/ny-chokehold-death/ |access-date=December 21, 2014 |publisher=CNN |date=December 8, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082942/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/20/justice/ny-chokehold-death/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was pronounced dead at the hospital one hour later.<ref name="LATimes.Probe">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-nypd-choking-death-20140718-story.html |title=Man's death after apparent chokehold by NYPD officer to be probed |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=June 27, 2015 |first=James |last=Queally |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082943/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-nypd-choking-death-20140718-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A funeral was held for Garner on July 23, 2014, at Bethel Baptist Church in Brooklyn. At the funeral, Al Sharpton gave a speech calling for harsher punitive measures to be taken against the officers responsible for the incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/07/23/funeral-for-staten-island-man-who-died-in-police-custody/ |title=Sharpton To Officers In Eric Garner Case: 'When Does Your Morality Kick In?' |work=CBS New York |date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=July 24, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083043/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/07/23/funeral-for-staten-island-man-who-died-in-police-custody/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Immediate aftermath== On July 20, Pantaleo was put on desk duty and stripped of his service handgun and badge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nypd-cops-chokehold-caused-injury-mans-throat/story?id=24640347 |title=NYPD Cop's Chokehold May Not Have Caused Serious Injury to Man's Throat |publisher=ABC News |first1=Josh |last1=Margolin |first2=Ron |last2=Cliborne |first3=Mark |last3=Crudele |date=July 20, 2014 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082948/https://abcnews.go.com/US/nypd-cops-chokehold-caused-injury-mans-throat/story?id=24640347 |url-status=live }}</ref> Justin D'Amico was allowed to keep his badge and handgun, but was also placed on desk duty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/wife-man-filmed-chokehold-arrested-article-1.1893790#cAOs5mib4wBv4MOC.97 |title=NYPD No. 3's order to crack down on selling loose cigarettes led to chokehold death of Eric Garner |first1=John |last1=Marzulli |first2=Rocco |last2=Parascandola |first3=Thomas |last3=Tracy |newspaper=Daily News |date=August 7, 2014 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210065946/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/wife-man-filmed-chokehold-arrested-article-1.1893790#cAOs5mib4wBv4MOC.97 |url-status=live }}</ref> Four of the EMTs and paramedics who took Garner to the hospital were suspended on July 21.<ref name=Time/> Two of the paramedics were soon returned to their duties, and the remaining two EMTs were doing non-medical work at the hospital pending the Richmond University Medical Center's own investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/ab96cf8f886243ec89b8138da80c98f2 |date=December 12, 2014 |title=NYC police probe moving swiftly in chokehold case |work=AP News |first1=Tom |last1=Hays |first2=Colleen |last2=Long |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082951/https://apnews.com/ab96cf8f886243ec89b8138da80c98f2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/emts_and_paramedics_who_respon.html |title=EMTs and paramedics who responded to Eric Garner have been suspended without pay by hospital |work=Staten Island Advance |date=July 21, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2014 |last=Annese |first=John M. |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082902/https://www.silive.com/news/2014/07/emts_and_paramedics_who_respon.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Medical examiner's report and autopsy=== On August 1, 2014, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled Garner's death a homicide.<ref name="Calabresi22Dec2014">{{Cite news |url=https://time.com/3618279/eric-garner-chokehold-crime-staten-island-daniel-pantaleo/ |title=Why a Medical Examiner Called Eric Garner's Death a 'Homicide' |date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=December 22, 2014 |magazine=Time |last=Calabresi |first=Massimo |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082952/https://time.com/3618279/eric-garner-chokehold-crime-staten-island-daniel-pantaleo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the medical examiner's definition, a homicide is a death caused by the intentional actions of another person or persons, which is not necessarily an intentional death or a criminal death.<ref name="Calabresi22Dec2014" />

Garner's death was also found by the medical examiner to have resulted from "compression of neck (choke hold), compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police".<ref name="NYTimesChokehold"/><ref name="Pearson01Aug2014"/><ref name="TimeNathan">{{cite news |last1=Nathan |first1=Giri |title=Eric Garner Died from Chokehold While in Police Custody |url=https://time.com/3071288/eric-garner-chokehold-death-nypd-medical-examiner/ |access-date=December 21, 2014 |magazine=Time |date=August 1, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082953/https://time.com/3071288/eric-garner-chokehold-death-nypd-medical-examiner/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Asthma and heart disease were cited as contributing factors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Medical examiner says chokehold by police officer caused death of NYC man; ruled homicide |work=Fox News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/medical-examiner-says-chokehold-by-police-officer-caused-death-of-nyc-man-ruled-homicide |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082953/https://www.foxnews.com/us/medical-examiner-says-chokehold-by-police-officer-caused-death-of-nyc-man-ruled-homicide |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to that, on July 19, 2014, The ''New York Post'' published a report, citing unnamed sources, claiming the medical examiner had found no damage to Garner's "windpipe or neckbones" during a preliminary autopsy.<ref name=windpipe>{{cite news |title=Man in chokehold had no throat damage |url=https://nypost.com/2014/07/19/man-in-chokehold-death-had-no-throat-damage-autopsy/ |newspaper=The New York Post |access-date=December 13, 2014 |first1=Larry |last1=Celona |first2=Kathianne |last2=Boniello |date=July 20, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082955/https://nypost.com/2014/07/19/man-in-chokehold-death-had-no-throat-damage-autopsy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Garner's family hired Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner, to perform an independent autopsy.<ref name="P&T2019"/><ref name="Pearson19Sep2014">{{cite news |last1=Pearson |first1=Jake |title=Expert says chokehold caused NYC man's death |url=https://www.apnews.com/42443fdeee364997ac4a298063f67eaf |access-date=June 16, 2019 |work=AP News |date=September 19, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082906/https://apnews.com/42443fdeee364997ac4a298063f67eaf |url-status=live }}</ref> Baden agreed with the findings of the Medical Examiner's Office and concluded that Garner's death was primarily caused by "compression of the neck". Baden reported finding hemorrhaging around Garner's neck, which was indicative of neck compression.<ref name="Pearson19Sep2014" />

Pantaleo's union, the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, noted that Garner's hyoid bone was not fractured. Barbara Sampson, the New York City medical examiner, said that "It is false that crushing of the windpipe and fracture of the hyoid bone would necessarily be seen at autopsy as the result of a chokehold."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e503728d75474aca90929229bffaa097|title=NYPD officer faces May trial in Eric Garner chokehold death|last=Sisak|first=Michael R.|date=December 7, 2018|website=AP NEWS|access-date=August 22, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082912/https://apnews.com/e503728d75474aca90929229bffaa097|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Protests=== thumb|Protests in Tompkinsville thumb|Protest rally in Tompkinsville Sharpton organized a protest in Staten Island on the afternoon of July 19; he condemned the use of a chokehold on Garner, saying that "there is no justification" for it.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sharpton-events-20140719-story.html |title=Rev. Al Sharpton leads calls for justice in NYPD chokehold death |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |first=James |last=Queally |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082904/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sharpton-events-20140719-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 28, a protest organized by WalkRunFly Productions and poet Daniel J. Watts was held in Times Square. The protest was in the form of poetry and many Broadway entertainers participated in the event.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael |last=Gioia |title=Watch Flashmob Created by Broadway Stars in Response to Death of Eric Garner |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |website=Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/news/article/watch-flashmob-created-by-broadway-stars-in-response-to-death-of-eric-garne-325814 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719150409/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/watch-flashmob-created-by-broadway-stars-in-response-to-death-of-eric-garne-325814 |archive-date=July 19, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Al Sharpton originally planned to lead a protest on August 23 in which participants would drive over the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge, then travel to the site of the altercation and the office of District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Jonathan |url=https://news.yahoo.com/bridge-protest-over-nyc-mans-arrest-death-proceed-171924935.html |title=Bridge protest over NYC man's arrest death to proceed |agency=Reuters |date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617122407/https://news.yahoo.com/bridge-protest-over-nyc-mans-arrest-death-proceed-171924935.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This idea was scrapped in favor of Sharpton's leading a march along Bay Street in Staten Island, where Garner died; police estimated that over 2,500 people participated in the march.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/08/23/thousands-to-call-for-action-over-death-of-eric-garner-at-staten-island-march-and-rally/ |title=Rev. Al Sharpton Leads March, Rally Over Eric Garner's Death On Staten Island |publisher=CBSNewYork/AP |date=August 23, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082909/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/08/23/thousands-to-call-for-action-over-death-of-eric-garner-at-staten-island-march-and-rally/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28917198 |title=Eric Garner death: Thousands rally in Staten Island |date=August 24, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082959/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-28917198 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2015, Assata's Daughters, a Chicago-based black activist group, formed because they saw a lack of response by public officials to Eric Garner's death.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zedbooks.net/blog/posts/getting-free/|title=We're Assata's Daughters|date=October 19, 2016|website=Zed Books|access-date=March 14, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092945/https://www.zedbooks.net/blog/posts/getting-free/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Grand jury== ===Grand jury deliberation=== On August 19, Richmond County (Staten Island) District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. brought evidence against Pantaleo to a grand jury, saying that after considering the medical examiner's findings, his office decided "it is appropriate to present evidence regarding circumstances of his death to a Richmond County Grand Jury."<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/timeline-eric-garner-chokehold-death-arrest-nypd-grand-jury-no-indictment/1427896/ |title=Timeline: Eric Garner Death |date=December 3, 2014 |work=NBC New York |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082949/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/timeline-eric-garner-chokehold-death-arrest-nypd-grand-jury-no-indictment/1427896/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 29, the grand jury began hearing evidence in the Garner case.<ref name="timeline"/> On November 21, Pantaleo testified before the grand jury for about two hours.<ref name="timeline"/> After considering the case for two months, the grand jury decided on December 3 not to indict Pantaleo.<ref name="timeline"/><ref name="usa 20141203"/>

Under New York law, most of the grand jury proceedings were kept secret, including the exact charges sought by the prosecutor, the autopsy report, and transcripts of testimony. Attempts by the New York Civil Liberties Union and others to gain release of that information have been unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news|first=James |last=Queally |title=In Eric Garner case, judge denies request to release grand jury transcripts |date=March 19, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |website=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-eric-garner-grand-jury-20150319-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602112942/http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-eric-garner-grand-jury-20150319-story.html |archive-date=June 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Reaction=== {{see also|Black Lives Matter protests in New York City}} ===={{anchor|Second wave of protests}}Public==== right|thumb|Chicago protesters protesting the Staten Island grand jury's decision, December 4, 2014 After the Staten Island grand jury did not indict Pantaleo on December 3, citizens in New York City and San Francisco gathered in protest, demonstrating with several die-ins,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Bay-Area-protesters-denounce-police-killing-of-5933671.php |title=Oakland, S.F. protesters denounce police killing of Eric Garner |first1=Vivian |last1=Ho |first2=Peter |last2=Fimrite |first3=Kale |last3=Williams |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082923/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Bay-Area-protesters-denounce-police-killing-of-5933671.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='I can't breathe': Why Eric Garner protests are gaining momentum |first=Peniel E. |last=Joseph |author-link=Peniel E. Joseph |date=December 5, 2014 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idIN298177169020141205 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715200053/http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2014/12/05/i-cant-breathe-why-eric-garner-protests-are-gaining-momentum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> making speeches and rallies against the lack of indictment.<ref name=WashingtonPost>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/07/19/new-video-purports-to-show-aftermath-of-the-chokehold-that-led-to-eric-garners-death/|title=New video purports to show aftermath of the chokehold that led to Eric Garner's death|first=Niraj|last=Chokshi|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 19, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2014|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083014/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/07/19/new-video-purports-to-show-aftermath-of-the-chokehold-that-led-to-eric-garners-death/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 5, thousands gathered in protest on the Boston Common in Boston, and then marched in the downtown area, blocking traffic, especially on I-90, in addition to staging "die-ins."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Travis |first2=Evan |last2=Allen |first3=Nestor |last3=Ramos |first4=Jeremy C. |last4=Fox |date=December 5, 2014 |title=Thousands protest Eric Garner case in downtown Boston |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/12/04/protest-planned-christmas-tree-lighting-common/875sx4ZA1JcHliKte9UyCJ/story.html |access-date=December 5, 2014 |work=Boston Globe |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082925/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/12/04/protest-planned-christmas-tree-lighting-common/875sx4ZA1JcHliKte9UyCJ/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Protests also occurred in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Minneapolis, and Atlanta.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-protests-eric-garner-case-resume-night-article-1.2033891 |first1=Chelsia Rose |last1=Marcius |first2=Joe |last2=Stepansky |first3=Bill |last3=Hutchinson |first4=Kerry |last4=Burke |title=Protesters flood NYC in second night of demonstrations opposing ruling not to indict NYPD cop in Eric Garner's death |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083035/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-protests-eric-garner-case-resume-night-article-1.2033891 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/04/protesters-close-i35w |title=Protests shut down part of I-35W for over an hour |author=Brandt Williams |date=December 4, 2014 |publisher=Mprnews.org |access-date=December 13, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082914/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/04/protesters-close-i35w |url-status=live }}</ref> At least 300 people were arrested at the New York City protests on December 4 and 5, most of them for charges of disorderly conduct or refusal to clear the streets, but two for assault on a police officer.<ref name=arrestsABCNews>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/protesters-police-clash-york-city-eric-garner-decision/story?id=27383303 |agency=Associated Press |title=223 Arrested as Protesters, Police Clash in New York City Over Eric Garner Decision |work=ABC News |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083006/https://abcnews.go.com/US/protesters-police-clash-york-city-eric-garner-decision/story?id=27383303 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/more-than-200-arrested-in-second-night-of-new-york-city-protests-1417792930 |title=300 Arrests After 2 Days of Eric Garner Protests, More Demonstrations Planned |author1=Adam Janos |author2=Thomas MacMillan |author3=Joe Jackson |author4=Pervaiz Shallwani |date=December 5, 2014 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=December 13, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082949/https://www.wsj.com/articles/more-than-200-arrested-in-second-night-of-new-york-city-protests-1417792930 |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 6, 300 protesters marched in Berkeley, California as well.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Hamed |last1=Aleaziz |first2=Evan |last2=Sernoffsky |date=December 6, 2014 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Protesters-march-again-in-S-F-and-Berkeley-5940498.php |title=Violence Mars new protests in Berkeley |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083006/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Protesters-march-again-in-S-F-and-Berkeley-5940498.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url-status=dead |url=https://news.yahoo.com/protesters-injure-police-officer-berkeley-061759579.html |title=Berkeley protesters smash windows, two officers hurt |agency=Associated Press |date=December 6, 2014 |work=Yahoo! News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213220428/https://news.yahoo.com/protesters-injure-police-officer-berkeley-061759579.html |archive-date=December 13, 2014 }}</ref> On December 10, 76 protesters were arrested at Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush in west London, England, during a rally to show solidarity with rallies in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30424338 |title=Eric Garner death: 76 arrested at London Westfield demo |publisher=BBC News |date=December 11, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082937/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-30424338 |url-status=live }}</ref> Protesters have made use of Garner's last words, "I can't breathe", as a slogan and chant against police brutality since Garner's death and Pantaleo's grand jury decision.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 4, 2014 |title='We can't breathe': Eric Garner's last words become protesters' rallying cry |first1=Oliver |last1=Laughland |first2=Jessica |last2=Glenza |first3=Steven |last3=Thrasher |first4=Paul |last4=Lewis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/04/we-cant-breathe-eric-garner-protesters-chant-last-words |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083057/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/04/we-cant-breathe-eric-garner-protesters-chant-last-words |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Zimmer |first=Ben |date=December 5, 2014 |title=The Linguistic Power of the Protest Phrase 'I Can't Breathe' |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/12/ben-zimmer-on-i-cant-breathe/ |newspaper=Wired |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603125550/https://www.wired.com/2014/12/ben-zimmer-on-i-cant-breathe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By December 28, at least 50 protests in support of Garner had occurred globally, and many other Black Lives Matter-related demonstrations had occurred.<ref>{{cite web |title=2014 Black Lives Matter Demonstrations |url=https://www.elephrame.com/textbook/protests |website=Elephrame |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226205743/https://www.elephrame.com/textbook/protests |date=December 26, 2014 |archive-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref>

Counter-protests were also launched in support of police, specifically for the NYPD. On December 19, during a New York City protest about the grand jury decision, supporters of the NYPD held a counter-demonstration, wearing shirts with the phrase, "I can breathe, thanks to the NYPD", on them, holding signs with phrases like "Bluelivesmatter", and chanting, "Don't resist arrest."<ref>{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Kellan |date=December 20, 2014 |title='I can breathe — thanks to the NYPD' shirts flood pro-police NYC rally |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/20/i-can-breathe-thanks-to-the-nypd-shirts-flood-pro-/ |newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603130644/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/20/i-can-breathe-thanks-to-the-nypd-shirts-flood-pro-/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 20, two NYPD officers were killed in an ambush in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The suspected gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, cited Garner's death at the hands of police (as well as that of Michael Brown) as reasons to kill police officers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/two-new-york-city-police-officers-are-shot-and-killed-in-a-brazen-ambush-in-brooklyn/2014/12/20/2a73f7ae-8898-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html |title=Two New York City police officers are shot and killed in a brazen ambush in Brooklyn |date=December 20, 2014 |access-date=December 21, 2014 |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Peter Holley |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221064504/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/two-new-york-city-police-officers-are-shot-and-killed-in-a-brazen-ambush-in-brooklyn/2014/12/20/2a73f7ae-8898-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Brinsley then entered the New York City Subway and committed suicide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nypd-cops-assassinated-brooklyn-ambush/story?id=27738835 |first=Dean |last=Schabner |date=December 21, 2014 |title=Two NYPD Cops 'Assassinated' in Brooklyn Ambush |publisher=ABC News |access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082950/https://abcnews.go.com/US/nypd-cops-assassinated-brooklyn-ambush/story?id=27738835 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mueller |first1=Benjamin |last2=Baker |first2=Al |title=Two N.Y.P.D. Officers Are Killed in Brooklyn Ambush; Suspect Commits Suicide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/nyregion/two-police-officers-shot-in-their-patrol-car-in-brooklyn.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 21, 2014 |date=December 20, 2014 |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221032947/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/nyregion/two-police-officers-shot-in-their-patrol-car-in-brooklyn.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Garner's death has been cited as one of several police killings of African Americans protested by the Black Lives Matter movement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Yohuru |title=You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Kills You: Baltimore, Freddie Gray and the Problem of History |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/youre-nobody-till-somebod_b_7167028 |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=May 29, 2015 |date=April 29, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083037/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/youre-nobody-till-somebod_b_7167028 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fields |first1=Liz |title=After Walter Scott Killing, Black Lives Matter Movement Calls For Citizen Oversight of Police |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/after-walter-scott-killing-black-lives-matter-movement-calls-for-citizen-oversight-of-police/ |date=April 10, 2015 |work=Vice News |access-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083009/https://www.vice.com/en/article/8x7wxa/after-walter-scott-killing-black-lives-matter-movement-calls-for-citizen-oversight-of-police |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Michelle |title=Muskegon-area churches to participate in 'Black Lives Matter' movement on Sunday |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/12/muskegon-area_churches_to_part.html |date=December 13, 2014 |publisher=mLive Media Group |access-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082933/https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2014/12/muskegon-area_churches_to_part.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Activists blast NYPD attempts to silence movement for change |url=http://blacklivesmatter.com/activists-blast-nypd-attempts-to-silence-movement-for-change/ |publisher=Black Lives Matter |access-date=May 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226194343/http://blacklivesmatter.com/activists-blast-nypd-attempts-to-silence-movement-for-change |archive-date=December 26, 2014}}</ref>

====Police==== As a result of Garner's death, Police Commissioner William Bratton ordered an extensive review of the NYPD's training procedures, specifically focusing on the appropriate amount of force that can be used while detaining a suspect.<ref name=cnn82>{{cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Ray |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/01/justice/new-york-choke-hold-death/index.html |access-date=June 18, 2020 |title=Choke hold by cop killed NY man, medical examiner says |work=CNN |date=August 2, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082934/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/01/justice/new-york-choke-hold-death/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Patrick Lynch, leader of the police union Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, challenged the claim that a chokehold was used, further stating that the union would be able to find many use-of-force experts who would also challenge the claim that a chokehold was used.<ref name="disappointing">{{cite news |last=Goodman |first=J. David |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Handling of New York Chokehold Cases 'Disappointing,' Review Board Chief Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/nyregion/handling-of-new-york-chokehold-cases-disappointing-review-board-chief-says.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083051/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/nyregion/handling-of-new-york-chokehold-cases-disappointing-review-board-chief-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Lynch also attributed Garner's death to resisting arrest and, "a lack of the respect for law enforcement, resulting from the slanderous, insulting, and unjust manner in which police officers are being portrayed."<ref>{{cite news |last=Speri |first=Alex |date=August 6, 2014 |title=A Chokehold Didn't Kill Eric Garner, Your Disrespect for the NYPD Did |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-chokehold-didnt-kill-eric-garner-your-disrespect-for-the-nypd-did/ |newspaper=Vice |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082954/https://www.vice.com/en/article/59a4en/a-chokehold-didnt-kill-eric-garner-your-disrespect-for-the-nypd-did |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycpba.org/news/pba-video/pba-140805-sba.html |title=NYC PBA-Recorded Video |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418000610/http://www.nycpba.org/news/pba-video/pba-140805-sba.html |archive-date=April 18, 2015 |date=August 5, 2014 }}</ref> Edward D. Mullins, the head of the union representing police sergeants, called on members to slow down police response across the city by supervising every arrest. He also commented saying that the use of the term "chokehold" by the chief medical examiner's office was political.<ref name="disappointing" /> Police union officials and Pantaleo's lawyer argued that Pantaleo did not use the chokehold, but instead used a NYPD-taught takedown move because Garner was resisting arrest.<ref name="usa 20141203"/> Police also defended the decision not to perform CPR on Garner on the grounds that he was still breathing on his own.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4AC5WS91rs | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/s4AC5WS91rs| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Staten Islander Eric Garner's Death - Panel Discussion on NY1 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 13, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=PBA>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xylJOK3WCOc&t=5m50s |title=PBA Blasts "Anti-Police Rhetoric" After Eric Garner Death |date=August 5, 2014 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702111434/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xylJOK3WCOc&t=5m50s |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/us/garner-video/ |title=Videos document Garner's last moments |first=Susanna |last=Capelouto |date=December 4, 2014 |publisher=CNN |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083034/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/us/garner-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

An Indiana police officer sold T-shirts saying "Breathe Easy. Don't Break the Law."<ref>{{cite news |first=Chuck |last=Sudo |url=https://chicagoist.com/2014/12/16/breathe_easy_dont_break_the_law_t-s.php |title=Indiana Cop Sells 'Breathe Easy Don't Break The Law' T-Shirts |work=Chicagoist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231220707/http://chicagoist.com/2014/12/16/breathe_easy_dont_break_the_law_t-s.php |archive-date=December 31, 2014}}</ref> A veteran San Jose Police Officer, Phillip White, tweeted: "Threaten me or my family and I will use my God given and law appointed right and duty to kill you. #CopsLivesMatter", which sparked controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/12/15/duty-to-kill-you-tweets-in-response-to-icantbreathe-protests-spark-petition-to-fire-san-jose-police-officer/|title='Duty To Kill You;' San Jose Police Officer Placed On Leave After Provocative Tweets On #ICantBreathe Protesters|work=CBS San Francisco|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=June 18, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082954/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/12/15/duty-to-kill-you-tweets-in-response-to-icantbreathe-protests-spark-petition-to-fire-san-jose-police-officer/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Family==== In an interview with CNN, Garner's daughter Erica felt that it was pride and not racism that led to the officer choking her father. Erica held a vigil and "die-in" on December 11, 2014, on Staten Island in memory of her father, near where he died.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 11, 2014 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/eric-garners-daughter-to-stage-die-in-on-staten-island/805378/ |title=Eric Garner's Daughter Stages "Die-in" on Staten Island |work=NBC New York |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082924/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/eric-garners-daughter-to-stage-die-in-on-staten-island/805378/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On her Twitter account, she vowed to continue to lead protests in Staten Island twice a week, lying down in the spot where her father collapsed and died.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friedman |first=Dan |date=December 11, 2014 |title=Eric Garner's daughter holds 'die-in' at Staten Island location where her father was put in fatal police chokehold |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/garner-daughter-holds-die-in-article-1.2042603 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083019/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/garner-daughter-holds-die-in-article-1.2042603 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Holpuch |first=Amanda |date=December 12, 2015 |title=Erica Garner leads protests in Staten Island in memory of her father |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/erica-garner-leads-protests-eric |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083008/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/erica-garner-leads-protests-eric |url-status=live }}</ref> Erica Garner died on December 30, 2017, after suffering a heart attack at the age of 27.<ref>{{cite news |first=Erik |last=Ortiz |title=Erica Garner, activist daughter of Eric Garner, dies at 27 after coma |date=December 30, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/erica-garner-activist-daughter-eric-garner-dies-27-after-coma-n832626 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082928/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/erica-garner-activist-daughter-eric-garner-dies-27-after-coma-n832626 |url-status=live }}</ref>

One of Garner's daughters, Emerald Snipes, created a fund for his kids for Christmas, as Garner used to play Santa Claus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/eric-garner-donations-2014-family-support-fund-raises-money-garners-widow-6-children-1742817 |first=Julia |last=Glum |title=Eric Garner Donations 2014: Family Support Fund Raises Money For Garner's Widow, 6 Children Ahead Of Holidays |date=December 8, 2014 |work=International Business Times |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082931/https://www.ibtimes.com/eric-garner-donations-2014-family-support-fund-raises-money-garners-widow-6-children-1742817 |url-status=live }}</ref> Garner's daughters Erica and Emerald, his widow Esaw, and his stepfather Ben Carr all went to the Justice for All March in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2014/12/post_1026.html |first=Mira |last=Wassef |date=December 13, 2014 |title='It couldn't have been more perfect,' Eric Garner's mother says of Justice For All March |publisher=SILive.com |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082938/https://www.silive.com/news/2014/12/post_1026.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After the grand jury decision, when asked whether she accepted Pantaleo's condolences, Garner's widow angrily answered, "Hell, no! The time for remorse would have been when my husband was yelling to breathe." She added, "No, I don't accept his apology. No, I could care less about his condolences ... He's still working. He's still getting a paycheck. He's still feeding his kids, when my husband is six feet under and I'm looking for a way to feed my kids now."<ref name="hellno">{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-garner-family_n_6265792 |title='Hell No!': Eric Garner's Widow Rejects Officer's Condolences |first=Lilly |last=Workneh |work=The Huffington Post |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212072626/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-garner-family_n_6265792 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, expressed surprise and disappointment at the grand jury decision.<ref name="hellno"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Helsel |first=Phil |date=December 3, 2014 |title='Hell No': Garner Family Rejects Cop's Condolences After Grand Jury Decision |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hell-no-garner-family-rejects-cops-condolences-after-grand-jury-n261176 |newspaper=NBC |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082934/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hell-no-garner-family-rejects-cops-condolences-after-grand-jury-n261176 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Politicians==== New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called Garner's death a "terrible tragedy."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0719/How-minor-crime-questioning-led-to-chokehold-death-of-Eric-Garner |title=How minor crime questioning led to chokehold death of Eric Garner |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=July 19, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |author=Jonsson, Patrik |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082938/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0719/How-minor-crime-questioning-led-to-chokehold-death-of-Eric-Garner |url-status=live }}</ref> De Blasio, at a July 31 roundtable meeting in response to the death, convened with police officers and political activists, called upon mutual respect and understanding. On August 1, in a statement, the mayor urged all parties involved to create a dialogue, and find a path "to heal the wounds from decades of mistrust and create a culture where the police department and the communities they protect respect each other."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/379-14/transcript-mayor-de-blasio-hosts-roundtable-police-community-relations#/0 |title=Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Hosts Roundtable on Police-Community Relations |date=July 31, 2014 |website=Government of New York City |publisher=Mayor of New York City |access-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082940/https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/379-14/transcript-mayor-de-blasio-hosts-roundtable-police-community-relations#/0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/382-14/statement-mayor-bill-de-blasio-the-medical-examiner-s-report-the-death-eric-garner |title=Statement of Mayor Bill de Blasio on the Medical Examiner's Report on the Death of Eric Garner |date=August 1, 2014 |website=Government of New York City |publisher=Mayor of New York City |access-date=August 10, 2014 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082942/https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/382-14/statement-mayor-bill-de-blasio-the-medical-examiner-s-report-the-death-eric-garner |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayor de Blasio has been criticized by activists for not firing the officers involved in Garner's death.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rugh |first1=Peter |title=Protesters Marched Through the Rain to Daniel Pantaleo's Home to Demand Justice for Eric Garner |date=July 18, 2019 |url=https://indypendent.org/2019/07/protesters-marched-through-the-rain-to-daniel-pantaleos-home-demanding-justice-for-eric-garner/ |website=The Indypendent |access-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082944/https://indypendent.org/2019/07/protesters-marched-through-the-rain-to-daniel-pantaleos-home-demanding-justice-for-eric-garner/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that New York State should consider appointing a special prosecutor to handle cases of alleged police brutality. He told CNN: "We have a problem. Let's acknowledge it."<ref>Larry Celona, Kirstan Conley, Bruce Golding - New York Post - ''Officers seethe as Hizzoner warns of cop 'dangers' '' - December 5, 2014 - page 6. Retrieved December 7, 2014.</ref>

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that the Department of Justice was "closely monitoring" investigations into Garner's death.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/eric-holder-justice-department-closely-monitoring-chokehold-probe-1406319304 |title=Eric Holder: Justice Department 'Closely Monitoring' Chokehold Probe |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 25, 2014 |access-date=July 26, 2014 |author=Barrett, Devlin |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082951/https://www.wsj.com/articles/eric-holder-justice-department-closely-monitoring-chokehold-probe-1406319304 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two U.S. Presidents have expressed thoughts about Garner's death. Barack Obama addressed the grand jury's decision by making a speech, stating that Garner's death and the legal outcome of it is an "American problem".<ref>{{cite news |first=Igor |last=Bobic |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obama-eric-garner-decision_n_6264762 |title=Obama Reacts to Eric Garner Decision: 'This is an American Problem' |work=The Huffington Post |date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082943/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obama-eric-garner-decision_n_6264762 |url-status=live }}</ref> Obama also reacted by saying that Garner's death "speaks to the larger issues" of trust between police and civilians.<ref name="wsjdec4" /> Former U.S. President George W. Bush said he found the grand jury outcome "hard to understand" and "very sad" in an interview.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/george-w-bush-eric-garner-reaction-113349 |title=George W. Bush weighs in on Eric Garner death |work=Politico |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082945/https://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/george-w-bush-eric-garner-reaction-113349 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rep. Peter King (R-NY) stated that, if Garner had been healthier, he would not have died after a police officer placed him in a chokehold. "If he had not had asthma, and a heart condition, and was so obese, almost definitely he would not have died from this." King added that there "was not a hint" that anyone used any racial epithets, and that if Garner were a "350-pound white guy, he would have been treated the same."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peter-king-eric-garner_n_6265748|title=Peter King Says Eric Garner Would Not Have Died From Chokehold Were He Not Obese|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=December 13, 2014|date=December 3, 2014|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083029/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peter-king-eric-garner_n_6265748|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Celebrities==== Shady Records recording artist Kxng Crooked aka Crooked I of Slaughterhouse recorded a tribute song for Garner titled "I Can't Breathe". The song was released exclusively through MTV News.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2017734/kxng-crooked-tupac-eric-garner-i-cant-breathe/ |title=Exclusive: Kxng Crooked Channels Tupac On His Eric Garner Dedication 'I Can't Breathe' |publisher=MTV |date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082945/http://www.mtv.com/news/2017734/kxng-crooked-tupac-eric-garner-i-cant-breathe/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Crooked used the same instrumental that was used for 2Pac's "Pain", with additional production added by Jonathan Hay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.audiomack.com/song/smh-records-1/mtv-exclusive |title=KXNG CROOKED of Slaughterhouse - I Can't Breathe - Download |publisher=Audiomack |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082958/https://audiomack.com/smh-records-1/song/mtv-exclusive |url-status=live }}</ref> The cover art features an image of Garner being held in a chokehold by law enforcement officials.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2047819/kxng-crooked-i-cant-breathe-video/ |title=Kxng Crooked Meditates On Eric Garner Protests With 'I Can't Breathe' Video |publisher=MTV |date=January 13, 2015 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082947/http://www.mtv.com/news/2047819/kxng-crooked-i-cant-breathe-video/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After the grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo, professional athletes such as NFL players Reggie Bush, Ryan Davis, Cecil Shorts III, Marqise Lee, Ace Sanders, and Allen Hurns;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/19/jaguars-players-wear-i-cant-breathe-shirts-in-pregame-warm-ups/|title=Jaguars players wear "I can't breathe" shirts in pregame warm ups|first=Curtis|last=Crabtree|date=December 19, 2014|access-date=August 2, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082949/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/19/jaguars-players-wear-i-cant-breathe-shirts-in-pregame-warm-ups/|url-status=live}}</ref> and NBA players LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Garnett, Derrick Rose, Jarrett Jack, and Deron Williams, wore T-shirts bearing the phrase "I can't breathe" during pregame warmups.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/09/us/athletes-police-protest/ |title=NBA and NFL players join demonstrations against police violence |work=CNN |date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083001/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/09/us/athletes-police-protest/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rhoden |first=William C. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/10/sports/basketball/adam-silver-likes-show-of-support-but-not-with-i-cant-breathe-pregame-shirts.html |title=When the Protest Moves to the N.B.A. Arena |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083020/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/10/sports/basketball/adam-silver-likes-show-of-support-but-not-with-i-cant-breathe-pregame-shirts.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kobe-lakers-i-cant-breathe-shirts_n_6298944 |title=Kobe Bryant, Lakers Teammates Wear 'I Can't Breathe' T-Shirts |work=The Huffington Post |date=December 10, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083005/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kobe-lakers-i-cant-breathe-shirts_n_6298944 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Phoenix Suns also wore the shirts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arizonasports.com/41/1791769/Phoenix-Suns-don-I-Cant-Breathe-Tshirts-before-game-vs-Milwaukee-Bucks |title=Phoenix Suns |author=Arizona Sports |date=December 31, 1969 |publisher=arizonasports.com |access-date=December 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216233250/http://arizonasports.com/41/1791769/Phoenix-Suns-don-I-Cant-Breathe-Tshirts-before-game-vs-Milwaukee-Bucks |archive-date=December 16, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> President Obama and Attorney General Holder applauded James for wearing the shirt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://time.com/3641145/obama-praises-lebron-james-eric-garner-shirt/ |title=Barack Obama Praises Lebron James, Says More Athletes Should Speak Out |author=Charlotte Alter |magazine=Time |date=December 18, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082949/https://time.com/3641145/obama-praises-lebron-james-eric-garner-shirt/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/227133-holder-praises-nba-stars-for-i-cant-breathe-t-shirts |title=Holder praises NBA stars for 'I can't breathe' shirts |first=Justin |last=Sink |work=TheHill |date=December 15, 2014 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083031/https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/227133-holder-praises-nba-stars-for-i-cant-breathe-t-shirts |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Georgetown University men's basketball team wore "I can't breathe" shirts,<ref>{{cite news |first=Joseph |last=White |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/10/georgetown-i-cant-breathe-shirts_n_6305356.html |title=Georgetown Players Are Latest Athletes To Wear 'I Can't Breathe' T-Shirts |work=The Huffington Post |url-status=dead |date=December 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213085716/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/10/georgetown-i-cant-breathe-shirts_n_6305356.html |archive-date=December 13, 2014 }}</ref> as did the University of Notre Dame women's basketball team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elkharttruth.com/sports/college-sports/notre-dame-university/2014/12/14/notre-dame-women-s-players-wear-i-can-t-breathe-t-shirts-1.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141221005222/http://www.elkharttruth.com/sports/college-sports/notre-dame-university/2014/12/14/Notre-Dame-women-s-players-wear-I-Can-t-Breathe-T-shirts-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |title=Notre Dame women's players wear 'I Can't Breathe' T-shirts |work=Elkhart Truth}}</ref>

Realizing that Garner died the same way as Radio Raheem, a character from the film ''Do the Right Thing'', film director Spike Lee also paid tribute to Garner by splicing footage of Garner's death with a clip from the film showing several police officers putting the character in a chokehold.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McDonald|first1=Soroya Nadia|title=Spike Lee splices footage of Eric Garner's death with Radio Raheem's in 'Do the Right Thing'|date=July 22, 2014|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/22/spike-lee-splices-footage-of-eric-garners-death-with-radio-raheems-in-do-the-right-thing/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=June 28, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083051/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/22/spike-lee-splices-footage-of-eric-garners-death-with-radio-raheems-in-do-the-right-thing/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Spike|title=Radio Raheem and the Gentle Giant|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnq4rrcIO1g|website=YouTube|access-date=July 2, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083118/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnq4rrcIO1g|url-status=live}}</ref>

The title of Terence Blanchard's 2015 album ''Breathless'' was inspired by Garner's last words ("I can't breathe").<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fordham|first1=John|title=Terence Blanchard: Breathless review – rapturous flares but an uneven set|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/21/terence-blanchard-breathless-review|website=The Guardian|publisher=theguardian.com|access-date=December 21, 2016|date=May 21, 2015|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083040/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/21/terence-blanchard-breathless-review|url-status=live}}</ref>

Matt Taibbi wrote the 2017 book ''I Can't Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/books/review/i-cant-breathe-matt-taibbi-eric-garner.html|title='I Can't Breathe': Eric Garner's Life and Death|first=Jamil|last=Smith|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=August 3, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082958/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/books/review/i-cant-breathe-matt-taibbi-eric-garner.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Civil lawsuit== In October 2014, Garner's family stated their intent to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of New York, the police department, and several police officers, seeking $75 million in damages.<ref>{{cite news |first=Marc |last=Santora |title=Eric Garner's Family to Sue New York City Over Chokehold Case |date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2015 |website=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/nyregion/eric-garners-family-to-sue-new-york-city-over-chokehold-case.html |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210082955/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/08/nyregion/eric-garners-family-to-sue-new-york-city-over-chokehold-case.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The parties reached a $5.9 million out-of-court settlement on July 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |first=J. David |last=Goodman |title=Eric Garner Case Is Settled by New York City for $5.9 Million |date=July 13, 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2015 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/14/nyregion/eric-garner-case-is-settled-by-new-york-city-for-5-9-million.html |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083007/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/14/nyregion/eric-garner-case-is-settled-by-new-york-city-for-5-9-million.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pengelly |first1=Martin |title=New York City agrees to pay $5.9m in settlement with family of Eric Garner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/13/new-york-city-pays-59m-in-settlement-with-family-of-eric-garner |date=July 14, 2015 |website=The Guardian |access-date=July 14, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083022/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/13/new-york-city-pays-59m-in-settlement-with-family-of-eric-garner |url-status=live }}</ref> Garner's widow had previously rejected a $5 million settlement offer.<ref>{{cite news |first1=John |last1=Marzulli |first2=Ginger Adams |last2=Otis |first3=Stephen Rex |last3=Brown |title=Eric Garner's widow rejects NYC's $5M offer to settle wrongful death suit: source |date=July 13, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/eric-garner-widow-rejects-city-5m-settlement-source-article-1.2290081 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083100/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/eric-garner-widow-rejects-city-5m-settlement-source-article-1.2290081 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Department of Justice investigation== On December 3, 2014, after the grand jury decided not to indict Pantaleo, the Department of Justice started an independent investigation.<ref name="Times"/><ref name="US Department of Justice">{{cite press release |title=Statement by Attorney General Holder on Federal Investigation Into Death of Eric Garner |publisher=US Department of Justice |date=December 3, 2015 |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/statement-attorney-general-holder-federal-investigation-death-eric-garner | first=Eric H. Jr. |last=Holder |author-link=Eric Holder |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083041/https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/statement-attorney-general-holder-federal-investigation-death-eric-garner |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/new-york-chokehold/protesters-block-ny-streets-after-officer-cleared-in-chokehold-death-idINKCN0JH2P920141204 |title=Protesters block NY streets after officer cleared in chokehold death |work=Reuters |first1=Daniel |last1=Bases |first2=Zachary |last2=Goelman |first3=Robert |last3=Macmillan |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083014/https://www.reuters.com/article/new-york-chokehold/protesters-block-ny-streets-after-officer-cleared-in-chokehold-death-idINKCN0JH2P920141204 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2015 it was reported that the FBI's New York Field Office was reviewing the incident and events thereafter.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prokupecz |first1=Shimon |last2=Sanchez |first2=Ray |title=FBI agents take 'fresh look' at Eric Garner case |publisher=CNN |date=January 21, 2015 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/20/us/new-york-chokehold-investigation/ |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083020/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/20/us/new-york-chokehold-investigation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The investigation was overseen by local United States Attorney Loretta Lynch until she became the US Attorney General.<ref name=NYT25oct>{{cite news |first1=Matt |last1=Apuzzo |author-link1=Matt Apuzzo |first2=Adam |last2=Goldman |author-link2=Adam Goldman |first3=William K. |last3=Rashbaum |title=Justice Dept. Shakes Up Inquiry Into Eric Garner Chokehold Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/25/nyregion/justice-dept-replaces-investigators-on-eric-garner-case.html |access-date=October 26, 2016 |work=The New York Times |date=October 25, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083015/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/25/nyregion/justice-dept-replaces-investigators-on-eric-garner-case.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The local FBI investigators and federal prosecutors determined that charges should not be brought in the case, prompting strong disagreement from attorneys in the Washington, D.C. office of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.<ref name="NYT25oct"/> In October 2016, Attorney General Lynch removed the local FBI agents and federal prosecutors from the case, replacing them with agents from outside New York.<ref name="NYT25oct"/> Lynch's intervention has been called "highly unusual".<ref name="NYT25oct"/>

In 2017, ''ThinkProgress'' obtained anonymously and published Pantaleo's police department disciplinary records, showing that Pantaleo had "seven disciplinary complaints and 14 individual allegations lodged against him. Four of those allegations were substantiated by an independent review board." He was found guilty of one of those fourteen allegations, and was disciplined by the loss of two vacation days.<ref>{{cite news |title=EXCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS: The disturbing secret history of the NYPD officer who killed Eric Garner |first1=Jack |last1=Jenkins |first2=Carimah |last2=Townes |date=March 21, 2017 |access-date=September 28, 2017 |url=https://thinkprogress.org/daniel-pantaleo-records-75833e6168f3/ |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083014/https://thinkprogress.org/daniel-pantaleo-records-75833e6168f3/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Records Leak in Eric Garner Case Renews Debate on Police Discipline |first1=Al |last1=Baker |first2=Benjamin |last2=Mueller |date=March 22, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/nyregion/nypd-eric-garner-daniel-pantaleo-disciplinary-records.html |access-date=September 27, 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083014/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/nyregion/nypd-eric-garner-daniel-pantaleo-disciplinary-records.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NYPD hunting for source of leaked records, in latest twist in Garner case |first=Azi |last=Paybarah |publisher=Politico |date=March 22, 2017 |access-date=September 27, 2017 |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2017/03/de-blasio-mum-as-nypd-huts-for-source-of-pantaleo-leaker-110604 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083100/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2017/03/de-blasio-mum-as-nypd-huts-for-source-of-pantaleo-leaker-110604 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Board recommended discipline for Officer Daniel Pantaleo years before fatal Eric Garner chokehold: report |first1=Stephen Rex |last1=Brown |first2=Jillian |last2=Jorgensen |first3=Graham |last3=Rayman |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=March 21, 2017 |access-date=September 27, 2017 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/revelations-officer-pantaleo-record-eric-garner-article-1.3004217 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083017/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/revelations-officer-pantaleo-record-eric-garner-article-1.3004217 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 16, 2019, Attorney General William Barr decided that the officers involved in Garner's death would not face federal charges.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benner |first1=Katie |title=Eric Garner's Death Will Not Lead to Federal Charges for N.Y.P.D. Officer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/nyregion/eric-garner-case-death-daniel-pantaleo.html |work=The New York Times |date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083030/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/nyregion/eric-garner-case-death-daniel-pantaleo.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Shortell |first1=David |title=Barr sides against civil rights officials in declining to bring charges against NYPD officer in Garner case |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/16/politics/eric-garner-william-barr-nypd-officer-daniel-pantaleo/index.html |date=July 16, 2019 |website=CNN |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721121445/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/16/politics/eric-garner-william-barr-nypd-officer-daniel-pantaleo/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Disciplinary hearing and termination of Pantaleo== An internal affairs inquiry by the NYPD determined that Pantaleo used a chokehold and recommended disciplinary charges.<ref name="Southall">{{cite news |last1=Southall |first1=Ashley |title=Police Investigators Determined Officer Choked Eric Garner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/nyregion/eric-garner-death-daniel-pantaleo-trial-chokehold.html |access-date=June 16, 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083035/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/nyregion/eric-garner-death-daniel-pantaleo-trial-chokehold.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Chokeholds are prohibited by NYPD regulations.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/identities/2019/5/17/18629673/eric-garner-daniel-pantaleo-trial-chokehold-nypd|title=Eric Garner died during a 2014 police encounter. An officer involved might lose his job.|first=P. R.|last=Lockhart|date=May 17, 2019|website=Vox|access-date=August 2, 2019|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083109/https://www.vox.com/identities/2019/5/17/18629673/eric-garner-daniel-pantaleo-trial-chokehold-nypd|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, the Department of Justice asked the NYPD to delay pursuing disciplinary charges pending a federal investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-pantaleo-20190717-xkio2jdf4jdifimosqlrggoj7a-story.html |date=July 17, 2019 |title=Justice in a chokehold: With no federal charges filed in Eric Garner's death, five years of frustration continue |access-date=June 11, 2020 |author=Daily News Editorial Board |website=nydailynews.com |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083040/https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-pantaleo-20190717-xkio2jdf4jdifimosqlrggoj7a-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 16, 2018, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Lawrence Byrne wrote a letter to the Justice Department stating that the NYPD would pursue disciplinary actions against officers involved in Garner's death if the Justice Department did not file charges by the end of August.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Bill |title=NYPD Will Pursue Internal Charges Against Officers In Eric Garner's Death |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/07/17/629731461/nypd-will-pursue-internal-charges-against-officers-in-eric-garners-death |publisher=NPR News |date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083020/https://www.npr.org/2018/07/17/629731461/nypd-will-pursue-internal-charges-against-officers-in-eric-garners-death |url-status=live }}</ref>

During an April 4, 2019, disciplinary hearing Pantaleo's attorneys argued that in an internal report dated December 10, 2014, NYPD Chief Surgeon Eli Kleinman concluded Pantaleo did not use a chokehold on Garner and Garner had suffered no chokehold associated injuries.<ref name="P&T2019">{{cite news |last1=Parascandola |first1=Rocco |last2=Tracy |first2=Thomas |title=NYPD chief surgeon determined Officer Pantaleo didn't put Eric Garner in chokehold: attorney |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-chief-surgeon-doesnt-see-chokehold-20190404-matpyvan3vbgbjqnuut6ghdamu-story.html |access-date=May 6, 2019 |work=New York Daily News |date=April 4, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083016/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-chief-surgeon-doesnt-see-chokehold-20190404-matpyvan3vbgbjqnuut6ghdamu-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Pantaleo's lawyer, Kleinman found that Garner's pre-existing health conditions contributed to his death.<ref name="P&T2019"/> The report was completed at the request of NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau.<ref name="P&T2019"/> Kleinman did not personally examine Garner and based his conclusions on a review of two videos of the incident and Garner's autopsy.<ref name="P&T2019"/><ref name="Sisak16May2019">{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/1903161fb60848a7851e68b25167f73b|title=Medical examiner: Chokehold triggered Eric Garner's death|last=Sisak|first=Michael|date=May 15, 2019|work=The Associated Press|access-date=August 19, 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083102/https://apnews.com/1903161fb60848a7851e68b25167f73b|url-status=live}}</ref>

At a May 2019 disciplinary hearing for Pantaleo, Dr. Floriana Persechino, who performed Garner's autopsy, testified that Pantaleo's use of a chokehold on Garner "set into motion a lethal sequence" that led to a fatal asthma attack.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/nyregion/eric-garner-death-daniel-pantaleo-chokehold.html|title=Medical Examiner Testifies Eric Garner Died of Asthma Caused by Officer's Chokehold|last=Winston|first=Ali|date=May 15, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 16, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083020/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/nyregion/eric-garner-death-daniel-pantaleo-chokehold.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CBS15May2019">{{cite news |date=May 15, 2019 |title=Officer's chokehold triggered Eric Garner's death, medical examiner testifies |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eric-garners-death-triggered-by-chokehold-medical-examiner-testifies-in-officer-daniel-pantaleo-trial-2019-05-15/ |agency=CBS/AP |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083017/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eric-garners-death-triggered-by-chokehold-medical-examiner-testifies-in-officer-daniel-pantaleo-trial-2019-05-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the examiner conceded that even "a bear hug" could have had the same effect as the chokehold, given that Garner weighed 395 pounds (179 kg), suffered from asthma and diabetes, and had a heart twice the size of a healthy person's heart.<ref name="Sisak16May2019" /> Moreover, during the trial at a hearing in June 2019, a defense witness, Dr. Michael Graham, St. Louis, Missouri's chief medical examiner, testified Garner's death could not have been caused by a chokehold because, Graham said, Garner was never actually choked or unable to breathe during the arrest.<ref name="CBS05June2019">{{cite news |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Cop accused of using fatal chokehold on Eric Garner won't testify |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/daniel-pantaleo-trial-cop-accused-of-using-fatal-chokehold-on-eric-garner-wont-testify/ |agency=CBS/AP |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083112/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/daniel-pantaleo-trial-cop-accused-of-using-fatal-chokehold-on-eric-garner-wont-testify/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WSJ05June2019">{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Ben |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Defense Medical Examiner Offers Alternate Theory in Eric Garner's Death |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/defense-medical-examiner-offers-alternate-theory-in-eric-garners-death-11559771410 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083021/https://www.wsj.com/articles/defense-medical-examiner-offers-alternate-theory-in-eric-garners-death-11559771410 |url-status=live }}</ref> Graham attributed Garner's death to heart disease exacerbated by the stress of the arrest.<ref name="CBS05June2019"/><ref name="WSJ05June2019" />

During this same trial, Pantaleo's partner, Justin D'Amico, admitted that he exaggerated Garner's charges. D'Amico claimed Garner had been selling 10,000 untaxed cigarettes, which was a felony. However, Garner had fewer than 100 cigarettes in his possession at the time of his death.<ref>{{cite web |title=Officer says he exaggerated charges against Eric Garner after his death |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/daniel-pantaleo-administrative-trial-nypd-partner-says-he-exaggerated-charges-against-eric-garner-after-his-death/ |date=May 21, 2019 |website=CBS News |access-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083018/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/daniel-pantaleo-administrative-trial-nypd-partner-says-he-exaggerated-charges-against-eric-garner-after-his-death/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Pantaleo's disciplinary hearing concluded on June 6, 2019.<ref name="auto"/> Two months later, it was reported that the administrative judge presiding over the disciplinary hearing recommended to New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill that Pantaleo be fired.<ref name="cbsnews-20190802">{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eric-garner-trial-nypd-administrative-judge-recommends-firing-daniel-pantaleo-today-2019-08-02/ |title=NYPD judge recommends firing officer over Eric Garner's chokehold death |date=August 2, 2019 |website=CBS News |access-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083019/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eric-garner-trial-nypd-administrative-judge-recommends-firing-daniel-pantaleo-today-2019-08-02/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to New York Police Department Administrative Judge Rosemarie Maldonado, video evidence and autopsy results provided "'overwhelming'" evidence that Pantaleo had placed Garner in a chokehold. In her recommendation to the Commissioner, Judge Maldonado found that Pantaleo's "'use of a chokehold fell so far short of objective reasonableness that this tribunal found it to be reckless — a gross deviation from the standard of conduct established for a New York City police officer.'"<ref name=cbsnews.com>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nypd-officer-daniel-pantaleo-fired-today-eric-garner-chokehold-death-2019-08-19/ |agency=Associated Press |access-date=June 11, 2019 |title=NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo fired over 2014 Eric Garner chokehold death |work=CBS News |date=August 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083021/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nypd-officer-daniel-pantaleo-fired-today-eric-garner-chokehold-death-2019-08-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 19, 2019, O'Neill terminated Pantaleo's employment with the New York Police Department,<ref name="nyt-20190819">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/nyregion/eric-garner-daniel-pantaleo-fired.html |title=Daniel Pantaleo, N.Y.P.D. Officer Who Held Eric Garner in Chokehold, Is Fired |last=Southall |first=Ashley |date=August 19, 2019 |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 19, 2019 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083021/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/nyregion/daniel-pantaleo-fired.html |url-status=live }}</ref> stating that it would not be possible for Pantaleo to serve effectively,<ref name="cbsnews.com"/> and that Pantaleo's decision to maintain the chokehold on the ground is what led to his firing.<ref name=bbc2019aug19>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49399302 |title=Eric Garner: NY officer in 'I can't breathe' death fired |work=BBC News |date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083041/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49399302 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pantaleo subsequently sued in state court for his reinstatement but was not successful.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Daniel Pantaleo, officer fired in Eric Garner's death, loses lawsuit to get job back|url=https://abc7ny.com/daniel-pantaleo-eric-garner-chokehold-officer/10448137/|date=March 25, 2021|website=ABC7 New York|access-date=April 21, 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421194635/https://abc7ny.com/daniel-pantaleo-eric-garner-chokehold-officer/10448137/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==State legislation== On June 8, 2020, both houses of the New York state assembly passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, which stipulates that any police officer in the state of New York who injures or kills somebody through the use of "a chokehold or similar restraint" can be charged with a class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.<ref name=garnerlegislation>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-lawmakers-pass-anti-chokehold-bill-named-for-eric-garner-2020-06-08/ |title=New York lawmakers pass anti-chokehold bill named for Eric Garner |first=Jordan |last=Freiman |date=June 8, 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |work=CBS News |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083007/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-lawmakers-pass-anti-chokehold-bill-named-for-eric-garner-2020-06-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the police reforms, which he described as "long overdue", into law on June 12, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/06/12/n-y-gov-cuomo-signs-sweeping-police-reforms-into-law-says-theyre-long-overdue/ |title=N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Signs Sweeping Police Reforms Into Law, Says They're 'Long Overdue' |date=June 12, 2020 |work=WLNY-TV; CBS New York |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083102/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/06/12/n-y-gov-cuomo-signs-sweeping-police-reforms-into-law-says-theyre-long-overdue/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=garnerlegislation />

== Popular culture == A poem by Ross Gay, "A Small Needful Fact" was written in 2015 as a response to Garner's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Poets |first=Academy of American |title=A Small Needful Fact by Ross Gay - Poems {{!}} Academy of American Poets |url=https://poets.org/poem/small-needful-fact |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Poets.org |language=en}}</ref>

The single "Loyal Like Sid & Nancy" by Foster the People, released in 2017, includes the lyric "I can't breathe" and is partly a commentary about Garner's killing and Black Lives Matter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hmv.com/music/foster-the-people-sacred-hearts-club-interview|title=We chat to Foster the People about their new album Sacred Hearts Club...|website=HMV|access-date=2017-09-22|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083024/https://www.hmv.com/music/foster-the-people-sacred-hearts-club-interview|url-status=live}}</ref>

Garner's plea can be heard on the opening track "The Landing" by Standing on the Corner, on their 2017 release Red Burns (album).

In 2018, a crime-drama film was released under the title of ''Monsters and Men'', whose main plotline depicts the death of a cigarette-selling black man at the hands of the police being filmed by an onlooker and attracting public attention. Being inspired by a real story, and given the striking similarity with the incident, multiple film reviews considered the movie to be based on the death of Eric Garner.<ref>{{Cite web|title=3 Ways Of Looking At A Police Shooting In The Powerful 'Monsters And Men'|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/09/27/651509443/3-ways-of-looking-at-a-police-shooting-in-the-powerful-monsters-and-men|last=Jenkins|first=Mark|date=27 September 2018|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=2020-05-30|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083009/https://www.npr.org/2018/09/27/651509443/3-ways-of-looking-at-a-police-shooting-in-the-powerful-monsters-and-men|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bradshaw|first=Peter|date=2019-01-17|title=Monsters and Men review – boys from the hood take a stand on the street {{!}} Peter Bradshaw's film of the week|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jan/17/monsters-and-men-review-reinaldo-marcus-green-john-david-washington-anthony-ramos|access-date=2020-05-30|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083002/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jan/17/monsters-and-men-review-reinaldo-marcus-green-john-david-washington-anthony-ramos|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Monsters and Men': Film Review {{!}} Sundance 2018|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/monsters-and-men-sundance-2018-1076330|last=Rooney|first=David|date=20 January 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|access-date=2020-05-30|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210083025/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/monsters-and-men-sundance-2018-1076330|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2019 film ''American Trial: The Eric Garner Story'' follows an unscripted mock trial in which Pantaleo is tried for murder.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Trial: The Eric Garner Story |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_trial_the_eric_garner_story |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Slaton |first=Joyce |title=American Trial: The Eric Garner Story Movie Review {{!}} Common Sense Media |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/american-trial-the-eric-garner-story |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Common Sense Media |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Choudhury |first=Bedatri D. |date=2019-10-11 |title=A Movie Envisions the Trial that Eric Garner Never Had |url=https://hyperallergic.com/roee-messinger-american-trial-the-eric-garner-story/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Hyperallergic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DeFore |first=John |date=2020-05-18 |title=‘American Trial: The Eric Garner Story’: Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/american-trial-eric-garner-story-1295078/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Death of Eric Garner}}

{{New York City Police Department}} {{Black Lives Matter}} {{Killings by law enforcement in the United States in the 2010s}} {{Portal bar|New York City}}

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