Federal Civil Rights Prosecutors Urge Charging NY Cop In Eric Garner’s Death

Demonstrators rally against police brutality in memory of Eric Garner on August 23, 2014 in Staten Island, New York. The New York City medical examiner's office ruled that Garner, the 43-year-old father of six, died ... Demonstrators rally against police brutality in memory of Eric Garner on August 23, 2014 in Staten Island, New York. The New York City medical examiner's office ruled that Garner, the 43-year-old father of six, died from a chokehold and chest compressions while being arrested by the police on July 17, 2014. AFP PHOTO/Stan Honda (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal civil rights prosecutors have recommended charging a New York police officer in the 2014 death of Eric Garner. But it’s unclear if that will happen.

That’s according to a person familiar with the case who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Prosecutors recently recommended the charges to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, but it’s unclear if he will be willing to sign off on a case. The New York Times first reported the development.

Garner’s videotaped chokehold became a rallying cry for protests over police killings of black men. It shows Officer Daniel Pantaleo taking Garner down and him gasping, “I can’t breathe.”

The case has been in legal limbo for years. And federal civil rights cases against officers are rare and challenging during any administration.

Latest News
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: