It has been nearly seven years since Eric Garner, an African American man from Staten Island, New York, died in a fatal encounter with police officers. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and sparked national outrage over police brutality and racial injustice. However, despite the widespread public outcry and calls for justice, the officers involved in Garner’s death have yet to face any charges.
Garner’s family continues to seek justice and accountability for his death. They have been tirelessly advocating for the officers to be held accountable for their actions that led to Garner’s tragic and untimely death. However, their efforts have been met with frustration and disappointment as the legal system has failed to bring any charges against the officers involved.
The lack of accountability in Garner’s case is particularly troubling given the circumstances surrounding his death. Garner was approached by officers for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes on the street. In the ensuing encounter, Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed Garner in a chokehold, despite the maneuver being banned by the NYPD. Garner was then pushed to the ground, where he repeatedly stated that he could not breathe. Despite his pleas for help, officers did not provide him with medical assistance, and Garner ultimately died from a combination of compression of the neck and chest, as well as asthma and heart disease.
The New York City medical examiner ruled Garner’s death a homicide, but a Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Officer Pantaleo in December 2014. The Department of Justice also declined to bring federal civil rights charges against Pantaleo in 2019. This lack of accountability has left Garner’s family and supporters feeling disillusioned and frustrated with the justice system.
The fight for justice for Eric Garner continues as his family refuses to give up on their quest for accountability. They have filed a civil lawsuit against the city of New York, seeking damages for Garner’s death, and are urging state and federal prosecutors to reopen the case and bring charges against the officers involved.
Garner’s daughter, Emerald Garner, has become a vocal advocate for police reform and accountability in her father’s memory. She has spoken out about the need for systemic change in policing practices and the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of police brutality and systemic racism, the case of Eric Garner serves as a stark reminder of the need for meaningful reform and justice. Garner’s family and supporters will not rest until the officers involved in his death are held accountable for their actions, and until justice is served for Eric Garner.
