The New York City police officer who placed unarmed Black man Eric Garner in a chokehold and caused his death has been fired, Commissioner James O’Neill announced Monday.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo was recorded on a cellphone video choking Garner during an attempted arrest in July 2014.
Garner, 43, who was approached by police for allegedly selling loose cigarettes on a Staten Island street, was wrestled to the ground by Pantaleo. He repeatedly told the officers, “I can’t breathe” during the altercation.
The use of the chokehold was banned by the New York City Police Department in 1993.
The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, though a grand jury decided in December 2014 not to indict Pantaleo.
A New York administrative judge recommended Aug. 2 that Pantaleo be fired from the department. He had since been on suspension prior to Monday’s decision.
