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A Decade After Eric Garner: The Echoes of 'I Can't Breathe' Still Resonate

Wednesday 17 July 2024 - 15:50

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Ten years have passed since Eric Garner's final words, "I can't breathe," became a haunting refrain in the fight against police brutality. On July 17, 2014, Garner, a Black man, died following an encounter with New York City police officers on Staten Island. The incident, captured on bystander video, showed Officer Daniel Pantaleo applying a chokehold, a tactic banned by the NYPD in the 1990s during an arrest for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes.

The anniversary marks a somber milestone in the ongoing dialogue about law enforcement practices and racial justice in America. Garner's death, along with subsequent high-profile cases, catalyzed widespread demonstrations and reinvigorated discussions about policing reforms.

Gwen Carr, Garner's mother, continues to advocate for her son's memory. She plans to lead a commemorative march on Staten Island, emphasizing her ongoing quest for accountability and systemic change. "We're still trying to keep Eric's name relevant and fighting for justice," Carr told NY1.

The aftermath of Garner's death saw a protracted legal journey. While the city medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, neither state nor federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against Pantaleo or other officers involved. The U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn cited insufficient evidence to prove willful violation of civil rights laws beyond reasonable doubt.

In 2019, five years after the incident, Pantaleo was dismissed from the NYPD following an internal disciplinary proceeding. The Garner family reached a $5.9 million settlement with New York City but pursued further legal avenues, including a judicial inquiry in 2021 under a unique provision of the city charter.

The case's far-reaching impact extended to the political sphere. Alvin Bragg, now Manhattan District Attorney, represented the Garner family as a civil rights attorney during the judicial inquiry. Bragg, who recently made headlines for his prosecution of former President Donald Trump, praised the Garner family's resilience and commitment to fostering change.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, reflecting on the anniversary, expressed hope that such incidents would never recur. As a former police officer himself, Adams emphasized the profound impact Garner's death had on the city and its approach to law enforcement.

The legacy of Eric Garner's last words continues to reverberate through American society, serving as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for equitable policing and racial justice. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the memory of that fateful day in 2014 remains a touchstone for activists, policymakers, and citizens alike, driving the pursuit of meaningful reform in law enforcement practices and community relations.