Eric Garner Dies After Chokehold by Police Officer
Eric Garner, a 43-year-old man, died in Staten Island, New York, during an encounter with police officers who were attempting to arrest him for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. Officer Daniel Pantaleo placed Garner in a chokehold, a tactic banned by the NYPD, which ultimately led to Garner's death. Garner's repeated plea of 'I can't breathe' while being restrained was recorded on video, drawing significant public attention and outrage.
Chokehold maneuver banned by NYPD since 1993
Garner's last words became a social justice slogan
Incident filmed by bystander and widely shared
Triggered nationwide protests against police violence
What Happened?
Eric Garner died in an altercation with police on Staten Island, New York, while they were attempting to arrest him for the alleged sale of untaxed cigarettes. The encounter was sparked by a complaint from a business owner regarding Garner's activities. Officers Daniel Pantaleo and others approached Garner, leading to a confrontation. Pantaleo applied a chokehold, which is a prohibited maneuver within the New York Police Department (NYPD) guidelines. Despite Garner's protests and repeated statements of 'I can't breathe', the officers continued to restrain him. The incident was recorded by a bystander, and the video quickly circulated, leading to widespread public outrage.The emergency responders arrived and attempted to administer first aid, but unfortunately, Garner was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The video footage of the event and Garner's pleas highlighted critical issues surrounding police brutality and the treatment of African Americans by law enforcement. The incident sparked protests across the nation, particularly within the Black Lives Matter movement, which brought attention to systemic racism and the need for police reform.
Why Does it Matter?
The death of Eric Garner served as a catalyst for nationwide protests and discussions around police practices, racism, and accountability in law enforcement. Garner's last words, 'I can't breathe,' became a rallying cry for social justice activists. The incident highlighted systemic issues in policing, leading to further calls for reforms within police departments and a renewed emphasis on racial equity in law enforcement practices. Garner's death became an emblematic case in ongoing conversations about police violence in the United States.