New York man dies after chokehold by police
July 20, 2014 -- Updated 0603 GMT (1403 HKT)
People participate in a demonstration against the death of Eric Garner after he was taken into police custody in Staten Island. |
"I can't breathe! I can't breathe!" Garner said repeatedly, his cries muffled into the pavement.
A video of the Thursday
skirmish shows the Staten Island man lying on the ground motionless
after the incident. An asthmatic, Garner was later declared dead at a
nearby hospital, according to CNN affiliate WCBS. Police said he
suffered a heart attack and died en route to the hospital.
"This is a terrible
tragedy that occurred yesterday. A terrible tragedy that no family
should have to experience," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, calling
the video of the incident "very troubling."
Police told WCBS that
43-year-old Garner, a father of six, had a lengthy criminal history and
had been previously arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes in May.
On Saturday, Garner's
friends and family rallied alongside Rev. Al Sharpton in Upper
Manhattan, demanding a full investigation into Garner's death, according
to WCBS.
Garner's wife was set to speak at the rally but found herself too emotional, WCBS reports.
The same day, both
officers involved in the arrest, including Daniel Pantaleo -- who is
seen on video choking Garner -- were stripped of their shields and guns,
as the New York Police Department continues to investigate the
incident.
The chokehold tactic is prohibited by the NYPD.
CNN's Susan Candiotti co
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