NYPD Chokehold Death Ruled Homicide

NEW YORK - Aug. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Eric Garner's July 17 death has been ruled a homicide, According to the New York City Medical Examiner’s office, his death was caused by the “compression of his neck (chokehold), compression of his chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police” and asthma, heart disease and obesity were contributing factors, .

Bratton said Garner's death was 'very tragic' and ordered Deputy Commissioner of Training Benjamin Tucker to conduct a 'top-to-bottom' review of officers' training.  NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton has since ordered all of the city's 35,000 officers to be retrained in how they use force following the death.

The Garner family spoke at a live broadcast of Sharpton's weekly address alongside the National Action Network. Garner's mother exclaimed “Thank You Jesus “ in hearing the medical examiner's findings. In addition Garner's wife said “My husband was not a violent man, not in any way, shape, form or fashion," Esaw Garner said. “He was a quiet man, but he’s making a lot of noise now.”

Mayor Bill De Blasio also addressed the tension that has erupted between police and community activists in the wake of Garner’s death.“We all have a responsibility to work together to heal the wounds from decades of mistrust and create a culture where the police department and the communities they protect respect each other—and that’s a responsibility that (NYPD) Commissioner Bratton and I take very seriously,”

Officers were attempting to arrest Garner for the alleged sale of untaxed cigarettes when he was involved in a clash with Officers Daniel Pantaleo and Justin D'Amico. Amateur videos of the incident clearly show Pantaleo place Garner in a chokehold, and the 43-year-old died a short time later.

Pantaleo was placed on modified duty, meaning his gun and badge were taken away. D'Amico remains on desk duty. The commissioner, who met with FBI officials following Garner's death, said he anticipated a civil suit by the family and 'would not be surprised if the U.S. attorney 'decides to open a civil rights violation investigation.'