Eric Garner died three years ago after police officers arrested him for selling untaxed cigarettes
The New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board has asked the NYPD to discipline a police officer they say is responsible for Eric Garner’s death in Staten Island three years ago.
Letters written to both Garner’s family and the NYPD have been sent informing each party of CCRB long-awaited decision, according to an anonymous source who spoke to The NY Daily News.
In 2014, Garner was arrested for illegally selling untaxed cigarettes.
Footage of the incident showed police officer Daniel Pantaleo use a banned choke hold technique on Garner used to bring him down to the pavement and make an arrest.
But as officers swarmed on Garner, he repeatedly stated that he couldn’t breath, and he ultimately suffocated to death.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo (pictured) used a banned choke hold technique on Garner used to bring him down to the pavement and make an arrest
Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, joins protesters demanding further action against the police officers responsible in the death of Garner
Footage posted to the Internet of the incident stoked outrage across the US, with many complaining that the authorities had used disproportional in order to arrest Garner.
‘This is just more evidence as to why the federal government should bring civil rights charges against this officer,’ said Rev. Al Sharpton said to Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a spring meeting.
‘This is all the more reason why this officer should be fired,’ he added.
The Attorney General did not offer comment on CCRB’s decision Friday, according to The Daily News.
A federal grand jury still weighing charges in the case, while Department of Justice met with the Garner family in June.
A police officer stands guard outside the New York Police Department (NYPD) Midtown South Precinct on December 22, 2014
Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, joins activists, community leaders and other family members who have lost loved ones in incidents involving the New York City Police Department
A mourner places a candle at a memorial for Eric Garner, who died while being arrested by New York City police, in Staten Island
‘The NYPD is aware that the Executive Board of CCRB has elected to move forward with their findings and recommendations pertaining to the actions of Officer Pantaleo,’ an NYPD spokesman said via email.
‘The New York City Police Department will not proceed with any internal disciplinary proceedings, at the request of the Department of Justice and due to their ongoing investigation.’
A spokesperson for New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio expressed empathy with the Garner family, but said it was necessary to respect the judicial process.
‘The death of Eric Garner was tragic, and the investigative process has been understandably painful and trying for his family and loved ones,’ said De Blasio spokesman Austin Finan.
‘Still, the Mayor has consistently said the Administration will respect the Department of Justice’s request and afford it time to complete its investigation. If it should decline to bring charges against Officer Pantaleo, the NYPD is prepared to pursue departmental charges.’
Stuart London, who is representing Pantaleo, said that the CCRB made their decision without speaking with his client.
‘It is highly irregular — and a violation of my client’s due process rights — for charges to be substantiated without speaking to the subject of the investigation,’ London said.