It has been five years since the death of Eric Garner, a 43-year-old unarmed black man who died at the hands of a white police officer in Staten Island, New York. Garner’s death sparked outrage and protests across the country, and his final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.
On July 17, 2014, Garner was approached by a group of officers for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. During the encounter, Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed Garner in a chokehold, a move that is prohibited by the New York City Police Department. Despite Garner repeatedly stating that he couldn’t breathe, the officers did not release their grip, and Garner lost consciousness. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.
The incident was captured on video by a bystander and quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice. Despite the clear evidence of excessive force, a grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo on charges of manslaughter or homicide. The decision not to charge the officer further fueled the anger and frustration of those seeking accountability for Garner’s death.
In the years since Garner’s death, his family and supporters have continued to fight for justice. They have called for the NYPD to fire Pantaleo and for criminal charges to be brought against him. In 2019, Pantaleo was finally fired from the police force, but many believe that justice has yet to be fully served.
The fight for justice in Garner’s case is just one example of the larger struggle for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The deaths of unarmed black men and women at the hands of police officers continue to occur at an alarming rate, shining a spotlight on the systemic issues of racism and police brutality within the criminal justice system.
As we remember Eric Garner five years after his death, it is important to continue to push for accountability and reform. The fight for justice for Garner and countless others who have lost their lives to police violence is far from over. We must continue to speak out against injustice, demand accountability for those responsible, and work towards a more just and equitable society for all. Remembering Eric Garner means committing to the ongoing fight for justice and equality for all.
