Earlier today, the decision was handed down to suspend NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo.
According to reports, this is a mere formality to his termination, a decision that is not sitting well with many NYPD officers.
Eric Garner’s Death
In July 2014, police attempted to arrest Eric Garner for selling black market cigarettes.
Garner told the cops to stop harassing him and that he was not doing anything wrong.
Officer Pantaleo put his hands on Garner, who pulled his arms away.
At this point, Pantaleo put Garner in a chokehold to get him on the ground.
In the video of the arrest, Garner can be heard saying “I can’t breathe” multiple times.
Eventually, Garner lost consciousness, at which point the officers turned him on his side to help ease his breathing.
An ambulance was called, but Garner was pronounced dead at the hospital about an hour later.
Garner’s death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner’s office.
The report cited his death was the result of “compression of neck (chokehold), compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police.”
While the city did settle a civil lawsuit with Garner’s family for almost $6 million, the Richmond County grand jury that heard the case did not indict Officer Pantaleo.
Disciplinary Hearing
A New York Police disciplinary hearing was called earlier this month.
Many believe this was Mayor de Blasio’s way of pandering for votes, as he recently promised action would be taken in the case.
It was as if he knew it would be a political hot potato for him and had the wheels churning to turn it from a liability to an asset for his campaign.
In fact, during the last debate, de Blasio even stated everyone would be happy in a few days to learn about how his office was going to handle this issue.
Well, today the decision was made and Pantaleo has been suspended with the recommendation of termination by the judge.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Public Information Phillip Walzak stated, “Officer Pantaleo has been suspended, effective today, as is the longstanding practice in these matters when the recommendation is termination.”
New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch called the decision “Pure political insanity.”
#BREAKING Lynch Blasts Pantaleo Decision: “Pure Political Insanity”
The only hope for justice now lies with Police Commissioner O’Neill. He knows the message that this decision sends to every cop: we are expendable, and we cannot expect any support from the city we protect. pic.twitter.com/jAU4ED0Bzc
— NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) August 2, 2019
At this point, the future of Pantaleo can only be saved by the Police Commissioner, but you can rest assured Mayor de Blasio has already put his chips on the table to ensure the outcome of this case.
Mayor de Blasio stated, “I hope that today begins the process of restoring some faith, and helping people believe that there is actually accountability and fairness.”
The only real solace for Pantaleo is that the statute of limitations ran out a little more than two weeks ago, so he will not face any criminal charges in the matter.
We depend on our readers to help us get the word out. So, if you agree with this article, please like and share the article on your favorite social media outlet. You are also encouraged to sign up for our newsletter to ensure you can stay informed. To sign up for our newsletter, click here.