The family of Eric Garner has been seeking closure for over six years since their loved one’s tragic death at the hands of New York City police officers. Garner, a 43-year-old Black man, died in July 2014 after being placed in a chokehold by officer Daniel Pantaleo during an arrest for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and sparked nationwide protests against police brutality.
Since Garner’s death, his family has been embroiled in a legal battle with the NYPD and the officers involved in his killing. Despite video evidence showing Pantaleo using a banned chokehold on Garner, a grand jury declined to indict the officer in 2014. It wasn’t until five years later, in 2019, that Pantaleo was finally fired from the force.
However, the fight for justice is far from over for Garner’s family. They continue to push for criminal charges to be brought against the officers involved in his death, including Pantaleo. In December 2020, the NYPD announced that it would be moving forward with disciplinary proceedings against officers involved in Garner’s death, including Pantaleo’s supervisor, Sgt. Kizzy Adonis.
Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, has been a vocal advocate for police reform since her son’s death. She has tirelessly fought for justice for her son and other victims of police violence, pushing for legislative changes and speaking out against systemic racism within law enforcement. Carr has also filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the city of New York and the officers involved in Garner’s killing.
As the legal battle continues, Garner’s family is still seeking closure and accountability for the loss of their loved one. The drawn-out process has taken a toll on them emotionally and mentally, but they remain committed to fighting for justice and holding those responsible for Garner’s death accountable.
The case of Eric Garner serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues of police brutality and systemic racism within law enforcement. It highlights the need for meaningful reform and accountability measures to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
As Garner’s family continues to seek closure and justice, their fight serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity inspire others to join the fight for a more just and equitable society for all.
