Officer Pantaleo Not Charged in Death of Eric Garner

Author: Ashley E.

When it rains it pours. Just days after the decision was made not to indict the officer who shot and killed teenager Michael Brown, another officer, Daniel Pantaleo has been let off the hook for killing 43 year old Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York back in July. Last night a grand jury made the decision not to indict the officer even though video footage clearly showed that Pantaleo was in the wrong. Daniel Pantaleo put Garner in an illegal chokehold during an altercation which according to evidence contributed to his death. Eric Garner was approached by officers who questioned him about selling untaxed cigarettes. The video showed Garner pleading with officers to be left alone. Although Garner didn’t threaten or act violently towards the officers, he was still put in a chokehold, forced to the ground and handcuffed.

Protestors in New York and other states were outraged by the grand jury’s decision. They took to the streets to protest by chanting and holding up signs that read “I can’t breathe” which sadly were Garner’s final words before he died.

Photo Credit: New York Times