The news that the Staten Island Grand Jury decided not to indict police officer Daniel Pantaleo in the chokehold death of Eric Garner drew immediate responses from Brooklyn’s elected officials. The following in no particular order are some of their statements.
Karim Camara: “District Attorney Donovan failure to win an indictment against the police officer responsible for Eric Garner’s death is an outrage. However, it’s important that we first remember that Mr. Garner’s life was lost and even an indictment would not have brought him back. Our thoughts and prayers should be with his family today.
“The failure on Staten Island to indict, unfortunately, continues a pattern in New York City where people of color are policed differently than whites, often to the point of harassment or violence. The lack of indictment, even with the video evidence that New Yorkers have watched in horror, is yet another example of New York City leading the nationwide revival of occupation style policing that was so prevalent in the Jim Crow South. It’s a disgrace that in a great city like New York, there is such a fundamental level of distrust between the police and communities of color. From the switch from Stop and Frisk to Broken Windows to the recent police killing in the Pink Houses in Brooklyn of Akai Gurley, a totally innocent man who died only because he entered a stairwell, it’s clear that the NYPD needs to do more than simply “retrain” its officers on certain procedures. While the vast majority of police officers should be commended for their courage and abide by the law, it is clear the system is broken. In addition to new legislation from Albany, there needs to be a return to community policing where cops on the beat have relationships with members of the community.
“While New Yorkers have every right to be outraged and voice their displeasure with today’s result, I urge protesters to act peacefully to voice their outrage.”
City Councilman Robert Cornegy (given yesterday before the decision was handed down): “I don’t know what the grand jury will decide and I would never presume to tell New Yorkers how to respond to their announcement. But I know that after seeing this incident on video, being shocked by the grand jury decision in Ferguson & mourning the senseless shooting of Akai Gurley – all this year — people are frustrated. Protestors are organized and determined. They believe that black lives matter and they want to see decisions from actors in the court system and from elected officials that acknowledge this truth & offer meaningful protection and hold cops accountable. I’m absolutely tuned into this frustration. In fact, as a Black man and a father, I share it. And I’m determined to do my part.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: “While this decision is shocking, I want to echo the statement of a wide range of leaders inside and outside of government who are urging that protests remain peaceful in the aftermath of this decision. The death of Eric Garner is a tragedy that demands accountability. Nobody unarmed should die on a New York City street corner for suspected low-level offenses. I’m shocked by this grand jury decision, and will be calling on the Department of Justice to investigate.”
Public Advocate Letitia James: “Like millions of New Yorkers, I am saddened by the grand jury’s decision not to indict in the Eric Garner case. Video footage of the incident clearly shows the banned chokehold that resulted in Mr. Garner’s death and the fact that there will be no public trial is shocking and unconscionable.
“We must eliminate the inherent conflict of interest when a district attorney seeks to indict members of the police department. To that end, I am calling on the governor and attorney general to create a special prosecutor in all cases involving police misconduct. Additionally, I will be requesting that the proceedings from this grand jury be made public.
“To all New Yorkers – our hearts may be hurt, but our spirits must never be broken and I urge us all to honor the memory of Mr. Garner through peaceful demonstration. My thoughts and prayers are with the Garner family and all those throughout our country who have died due to altercations with the police.”
Congressman Michael Grimm, whose district includes Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst: City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo (given yesterday before the decision was handed down): “There’s no question that this grand jury had an immensely difficult task before them, but I have full faith that their judgment was fair and reasoned and I applaud DA Donovan for overseeing this case with the utmost integrity. As we all pray for the Garner family, I hope that we can now move forward and begin to heal together as a community.”
