“The NYPD police unions and their representatives have responded today with regard to the tragic death of Eric Garner. Their statements are totally over the line but not surprising.
The OCME report indicated that Eric’s death was a result of a chokehold that was administered by an NYPD officer. A life is lost that cannot be replaced and all parties must be held accountable and take responsibility for their actions.
The City of New York cannot be held hostage by any work slow downs while an investigation is ongoing of a police officer’s conduct.
Aggressive enforcement of low level crimes, selective policing in communities of color and criminalizing victims fails to promote true public safety.
The bad apples that misuse their positions of authority cannot and should not continue to cast shadows of mistrust, anger, frustration and disappointment on an entire department. At this rate, we will not see the necessary reforms needed to build better relationships with law enforcement and communities and really promote safety.
Something is very wrong here and change is needed in Culture, Conscience and Common Priorities to Reform policies as we move forward in this City! I hope that all stakeholders moving forward understand the magnitude of what’s at stake and is prepared to be a part of real reform.
This I firmly believe!” —Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Chair of the Public Safety Committee
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Since it has been determined that Eric Garner’s death is a homicide, I am demanding that arrests be made on those who perpetrated this crime. We cannot have a double standard when it comes to who to arrest when a homicide has been committed.
If a person of color would have killed a police officer, or anyone else, that person would not be free to walk the streets of New York. That person would have been arrested, jailed, a criminal arraignment before a judge and bail set. This arrest should not be any different. I am calling on the law enforcement/judicial system to act expeditiously.
The Garner family deserves to be treated better as well as any family that has endured such a violation of human life,” said Council Member Andy King, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.” ––Councilman Andy King, Co-Chair, Black, Latino and Asian Caucus
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