The National Black Police Association is calling for New York Police Commissioner James O’Neill to fire Officer Daniel Pantaleo for the death of Eric Garner. The association announced its stance on Pantaleo’s employment the day after a New York judge recommended that the officer be fired for his actions.
In 2014, Pantaleo used a banned chokehold to restrain Garner. Garner told Pantaleo and other officers that he could not breathe 11 times before having his last breath stolen. In 2014, a Staten Island Grand Jury decided not to indict Pantaleo for killing the 43-year-old father of six. The case was then taken to the federal level.
However, last month, the day before the five year anniversary of Garner’s death, Attorney General William Barr ruled that Pantaleo did not violate Garner’s civil rights and the case was dropped. Through all the litigation, Pantaleo has been on payroll with the New York Police Department. And people are demanding that he be fired immediately.
“If the leadership of police departments across this country are giving more than platitudes, and mean it when they say they are committed to purging police ranks of ‘bad apples’ — they will join us in calling for the firing of Daniel Pantaleo for the death of Eric Garner,” The National Black Police Association said in a statement.
The National Black Police Association was originally chartered in 1972 in Illinois. The association stands to increase awareness and consciousness of the criminal justice system and enhance the quality of life in Black communities.
NBPA is one of many organization and leaders calling for Pantaleo to be fired.
After the decision not to charge Pantaleo at the federal level, Eric Garner’s youngest daughter, Emerald Snipes-Garner, started a petition with Change.org to New York Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner O’Neill, demanding Pantaleo be fired.
Ultimately, the decision is on the Commissioner O’Neill to fire Pantaleo or not.
“Hiding behind the statement that Eric Garner ‘would not comply’ is irresponsible and a paltry excuse that does not meet the high standards of ethical policing. After all, justified does not mean necessary,” NBPA said in a statement.
“Truth and accountability should prevail in the case of Eric Garner’s death.”
