A decade has passed since Eric Garner uttered the words "I can't breathe" while in a police chokehold, a moment that reverberated across the United States and became a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement. Garner's death on July 17, 2014, sparked widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism, movements that have continued to shape civil rights activism today.
The tragic incident unfolded on Staten Island, where Garner, suspected of selling untaxed cigarettes, encountered Officer Daniel Pantaleo and other officers. Video footage captured Pantaleo, who is white, applying a banned chokehold maneuver on Garner, who was Black, leading to Garner's repeated plea for breath before he lost consciousness and later died in a hospital. Despite the New York City medical examiner's ruling of Garner's death as a homicide, neither state nor federal charges were filed against Pantaleo or the other officers involved.
Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, remains at the forefront of efforts to keep her son's memory alive and to seek justice. She led a commemorative march on Staten Island on Wednesday morning, underscoring her ongoing determination in the face of what she views as continued injustice.
In the years following Garner's death, the family pursued legal avenues, resulting in a $5.9 million settlement from New York City in a wrongful death lawsuit. However, their pursuit for accountability did not stop there. In 2021, a judicial inquiry into Garner's death was conducted under a provision of the city’s charter, aimed at establishing a formal record of events rather than assigning guilt. The inquiry highlighted persistent calls for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
Civil rights lawyer Alvin Bragg, who represented Garner's family during this process and now serves as Manhattan district attorney, reflected on Garner's legacy and the family's resilience. "Their courage continues to inspire me," Bragg remarked, emphasizing his commitment to upholding justice and fairness in his current role.
Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former police officer, acknowledged the impact of Garner's death during a recent news conference, expressing hope that such incidents will not be repeated. Adams, who witnessed the aftermath of Garner's death during his tenure as Brooklyn borough president, reiterated his dedication to fostering a safer and more equitable city.
As the 10th anniversary of Eric Garner's death is marked, advocates and community leaders emphasize the ongoing relevance of his case in the fight against racial injustice and police misconduct. The legacy of "I can't breathe" continues to serve as a rallying cry for reform, resonating in ongoing efforts for systemic change across the nation.
