The New York police officer caught on video using a chokehold on Eric Garner, resulting in his death, will not face federal charges.
NBC News reports the U.S. Justice Department ended its five-year investigation on Tuesday. The Justice Department decided it will not bring civil or criminal charges against NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo.
In 2014, Pantaleo was caught on cell phone video placing his arm around Garner's neck. The 43-year-old died of an asthma attack induced by the chokehold.
Emerald Garner, the victim's daughter, was devastated by the recent news. "Fire him," she said during a press conference on Tuesday, referring to the officer. She told media she rewatched her father's death, hoping and praying justice would be delivered.
"This man choked my father outside on the street. Choked him with no remorse," she yelled in pain. "The federal government does not want to prosecute Pantaleo for killing Eric Garner … Nobody wants to hold nobody accountable?"
MOMENTS AGO: Daughter of #EricGarner reacts to reports of DOJ not bringing charges against NYPD officer in 2014 chokehold death. More: https://t.co/h0u1d70bGs
pic.twitter.com/Pxrt3KinWf— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) July 16, 2019
Tomorrow marks the five-year anniversary of Garner's July 17, 2014 death. Wednesday would have also been the deadline for charges to be brought.
On the day of the incident, the father and family man was approached by police because he sold loose cigarettes in Staten Island. Words were exchanged and police wrestled him to the ground. Garner begged and pleaded for air as the encounter intensified.
Although the chokehold was outlawed by the department about two decades ago, a medical examiner determined the chokehold caused Garner's asthma attack. Pantaleo was not indicted by a grand jury. He was, however, placed on desk duty. The 34-year-old officer has still been able to accrue pay and pension benefits.
Ramsey Orta, Garner's friend, was subjected to police harassment and then incarceration for filming the incident. Last month, Pantaleo's lawyer Stuart London claimed Garner died because of his health issues. He placed the blame on obesity.
A June hearing was held to determine if Pantaleo would be fired. As of this report, the officer remains on desk duty.
Previous reports state federal prosecutors were reluctant to charge Pantaleo with any crime. Legal experts claim a civil rights case against the officer was held up due to various disagreements between federal and local prosecutors and the FBI. However, the city of New York reached a $5.9 million settlement with the Garner family in 2015 for a wrongful-death lawsuit.