Although a video, watched by millions, was posted on the internet of Eric Garner’s arrest, there has still been many different opinions and outcries of what actually happened between Eric Garner and the NYPD on July 17, 2014. There are however, facts that cannot be argued concerning the case. We attempt to view these facts in order to attain a clearer picture of the unfortunate events on that day that sparked outrage and protests throughout New York City.
Facts of the Case:
- Eric Garner was 400 pounds with many already existing health problems
- He was confronted by the police for distributing unlicensed cigarettes, and resists arrest not violently
- At the time of Garner’s arrest, he was out on bail after bring charges with illegally selling cigarettes, driving without a license, marijuana possession and false impersonation
- Officer Pantaleo comes up behind him and places his right arm up below Garner’s right arm
- Garner raises his hands, falling backwards to the ground with Officer Pantaleo’s arm still around Garner’s neck, when 3 other officers physically grab Garner
- Garner complains that he can’t breathe as Officer Pantaleo forces Garner’s hear to the ground
- Garner died about an hour later on July 17th, 2014
- Autopsy report his death was from compression of neck, compression of chest during physical restraint by police, noting that Officer Pantaleo was definitely a force in Eric Garner’s death
- However, the autopsy further noted that Garner died from acute and chronic bronchial asthma, obesity, and heart disease
- No one really knows what exactly the charges were against Officer Pantaleo
- Pantaleo apparently used a chokehold to subdue Garner, which has been banned by the NYPD entirely since 1993, so the enforcement of policing issues is an issue here
- Concluding from the autopsy, Officer Pantaleo’s actions did not directly cause Garner’s death, but triggered his already existing health problems, contributing to his death
- The grand jury did not indict Officer Pantaleo
On top of the facts is a video of the arrest, shot by Ramsey Orta, a friend of Eric Garner.
Statistics:
- Nine out of ten African Americans say they disagree with the decision
- A majority (52%) of whites disagree with the decision
Both the majorities of whites and blacks disagree with the grand jury’s decision to not indict Officer Pantaleo.
Many high officials and influential people spoke out about the case and Eric Garner’s death in relation to race relations between blacks and whites:
Mayor Bill de Blasio:
President Barack Obama:
Obama says race relations are improving from case like this:
- Videos caught on phones help shed light on what minority communities experience every day.
- He says that these racial problems surfaced in probably a “healthy” way
- Says that the issue of police treating minority groups poorly has been an issue for a long time but it hasn’t been talked about a lot
- Says race relations are getting better. Are they?
The public took action in forms of protests like riots and nonviolent expression in the form of writing on t-shirts. The rioters took inspiration from the Ferguson Case and the death of Michael Brown on August 9th, 2014, a case in which related to the brutality of police and police oppression of blacks.
Demonstrators march in New York, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, during the Justice for All rally and march. In the past three weeks, grand juries have decided not to indict officers in the chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York and the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. The decisions have unleashed demonstrations and questions about police conduct and whether local prosecutors are the best choice for investigating police. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, center, and his teammates warm up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, in Los Angeles. Several athletes have worn “I Can’t Breathe” shirts during warm ups in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Examining the Eric Garner Case and the Ongoing Dialogue on Race Relations
The Eric Garner case, which unfolded in July 2014, continues to be a source of controversy and debate, with differing opinions on what exactly transpired between Eric Garner and the NYPD. The incident, captured in a widely viewed video, gave rise to public outcry and protests throughout New York City. While there may be varying perspectives on this case, certain undeniable facts can shed light on the unfortunate events of that fateful day.
Key Facts of the Case:
Eric Garner was a 400-pound man with pre-existing health issues.
The police confronted him for allegedly selling unlicensed cigarettes, and Garner resisted arrest, albeit non-violently.
At the time of his arrest, Garner was out on bail, facing charges related to selling cigarettes, driving without a license, marijuana possession, and false impersonation.
Officer Pantaleo approached Garner and placed his right arm below Garner’s right arm.
As Garner raised his hands, he fell to the ground, with Officer Pantaleo’s arm still around his neck. Three other officers joined in to physically subdue Garner.
Garner repeatedly complained that he couldn’t breathe while Officer Pantaleo maintained his hold.
Tragically, Garner passed away about an hour later on July 17, 2014.
The autopsy report attributed Garner’s death to neck compression, chest compression during physical restraint by the police, and noted Officer Pantaleo’s significant role in the incident.
The autopsy further highlighted Garner’s pre-existing health conditions, including acute and chronic bronchial asthma, obesity, and heart disease.
The charges against Officer Pantaleo have been subject to speculation.
Pantaleo apparently employed a chokehold, a technique banned by the NYPD since 1993, raising concerns about policing practices.
The autopsy results suggested that while Officer Pantaleo’s actions didn’t directly cause Garner’s death, they exacerbated his existing health issues, contributing to his demise.
The grand jury’s decision did not lead to the indictment of Officer Pantaleo.
A video of the arrest, filmed by Ramsey Orta, a friend of Eric Garner, adds to the evidential narrative.
Statistics and Public Response:
Statistics and public sentiment add another layer to the story:
Nine out of ten African Americans expressed disagreement with the grand jury’s decision.
A majority (52%) of white individuals also disagreed with the outcome.
Both white and black majorities disagreed with the grand jury’s choice not to indict Officer Pantaleo.
Voices of Influence:
Numerous prominent figures weighed in on the Eric Garner case and its implications for race relations:
Mayor Bill de Blasio:
[Include video or excerpts]
President Barack Obama:
[Include video or excerpts]
President Obama acknowledged the importance of videos like the one filmed during Garner’s arrest in shedding light on the daily experiences of minority communities. He pointed out that these racial issues had emerged in a possibly constructive manner and that addressing police misconduct toward minority groups had long been a concern, though it had not been widely discussed. However, he expressed optimism that race relations were improving as a result of cases like this.
Community Response:
The public’s reaction took various forms, ranging from peaceful protests and expressions on T-shirts to violent riots. The events surrounding the Eric Garner case were paralleled with the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which also drew attention to police brutality and the oppression of Black individuals.
In conclusion, the Eric Garner case remains a symbol of the complex dialogue on race relations and policing in the United States. The facts of the case, combined with statistics and public responses, reflect the ongoing societal debate regarding the intersection of race, law enforcement, and justice. Garner’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the need for meaningful discussions and action to address these deeply rooted issues in our society.