A disturbing video surfaced over the weekend of a Staten Island man who was killed by the NYPD after being placed in a chokehold.
According to the New York Times, on Thursday Eric Garner, 43, was approached by two police officers and accused of selling loose cigarettes, known as "loosies" on the street. When Garner tried to explain that he was simply breaking up a fight, the officer tried to arrest him.
"I'm tired of it," Garner said. "This stops today. I didn't do nothing. Every time you see me, you want to harass me, you want to stop me."
After Garner pulled his arm away, an officer is seen throwing his arms around the six-foot man and dragging him to the ground. Garner repeatedly says, "I can't breathe" as more police officers mounted on top of him.
Garner was pronounced dead at Richmond University Medical Center.
Community leaders have called out the police officers for their behavior in the video and the illegal use of a chokehold, a move that has been banned from the force for over 20 years.
Both officers, a six-year and four-year veteran, have been placed on desk duty while the case is being investigated.
Garner, who was known to many as a "gentle giant," had a long history of arrests and struggled with asthma, sleep apnea, and diabetes. After working for the city's parks department as a horticulturist, Garner had to quit his job because of his health.
Source: New York Times
