Prayers for the family: Daughter of Eric Garner speaks out after firing of officer who killed her father
Article By Associated Press // EEW Magazine
Prayers and support are pouring in since news broke that after five years of investigations and protests, a New York City police officer has been fired for the chokehold death of an unarmed black man in 2014.
Emerald Snipes Garner, daughter of the deceased Eric Garner, is thanking New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill for firing Officer Daniel Pantaleo.
Pantaleo is the officer who was recorded on video wrestling Eric Garner to the ground in 2014, with his arm wrapped tightly around Garner’s neck.
Garner’s dying words of “I can’t breathe” became a flash point in a national debate over race and police use of force.
Protestors honor the memory of Eric Garner (Credit: Getty)
Snipes Garner expressed appreciation Monday to O’Neill “for doing the right thing,” but she said her family’s fight for justice “is not over.”
Snipes Garner said her family wants to see action taken against the other officers who were present when Pantaleo tried to arrest her father. And she said she wants to see an “Eric Garner Law” passed that would make police chokeholds illegal.
Snipes Garner appeared with the Rev. Al Sharpton after O’Neill announced his decision. Sharpton said supporters of the Garner family are relieved that Pantaleo has been fired “but not celebratory.” Those who have been holding out hope for justice are happy for a partial victory, while knowing there is no way this family’s pain can be healed by a token firing. This is why prayers are needed.
Pantaleo’s lawyer has said the officer used a reasonable amount of force and didn’t mean to hurt Garner.
A state grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo. Federal authorities announced last month that they wouldn’t bring civil rights charges.
May God continue to grace and comfort the family.