Credit: Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
On Monday, New York City reached a settlement with the family of Eric Garner, agreeing to pay $5.9 million. The settlement resolves the civil case claims filed after Eric Garner's police-related death.
Eric Garner, a 43-year old resident of Staten Island, died July 17, 2014, after New York Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in a chokehold during an attempted arrest over selling untaxed cigarettes. The confrontation between police and Garner was capture on cell phone video taken by a bystander at the time. In the video Garner can be heard saying repeatedly, "I Can't Breathe" before he collapsed from the chokehold.
The final words spoken by Eric Garner became the ethos and battle cry to many in the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Garner's death sparked numerous protests across the United States. Many musicians and pro-athlete wore “I can’t breathe” messages on their uniforms in solidarity with the movement.
Eric Garner, a 43-year old resident of Staten Island, died July 17, 2014, after New York Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in a chokehold during an attempted arrest over selling untaxed cigarettes. The confrontation between police and Garner was capture on cell phone video taken by a bystander at the time. In the video Garner can be heard saying repeatedly, "I Can't Breathe" before he collapsed from the chokehold.
The final words spoken by Eric Garner became the ethos and battle cry to many in the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Garner's death sparked numerous protests across the United States. Many musicians and pro-athlete wore “I can’t breathe” messages on their uniforms in solidarity with the movement.
New York City's medical examiner declared Garner’s death a homicide. When the case went to a grand jury in Staten Island, District Attorney declined to indict Pantaleo.
The agreement with the New York City was reached just days before the deadline to file a suit. Garner's family original claim was for $75 million dollars. While most of the terms of the settlement remain unclear at this time the figured agreed to was $5.9 million.
The agreement with the New York City was reached just days before the deadline to file a suit. Garner's family original claim was for $75 million dollars. While most of the terms of the settlement remain unclear at this time the figured agreed to was $5.9 million.
“We are all familiar with the events that lead to the death of Eric Garner and the extraordinary impact his passing has had on our city and our nation,” Scott Stringer, New York’s comptroller, said in a statement. “While we cannot discuss the details of this settlement, and the city has not admitted liability, I believe that we have reached an agreement that acknowledges the tragic nature of Mr. Garner’s death, while balancing my office’s fiscal responsibility to the city.”
Written By: Lauren B. I @laurenbeal
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