Family speaks on man's alleged chokehold death

THE FAMILY of a Staten Island man who died after he was allegedly placed in a chokehold by a New York police officer spoke publicly for the first time Saturday.

At the Rev. Al Sharpton's weekly National Action Network address, Esaw Garner said her husband, Eric, was a peaceful man who was often harassed by NYPD officers.

Officers were attempting to arrest Garner for the alleged sale of untaxed cigarettes earlier this month when he was involved in a clash with officers Daniel Pantaleo and Justin D'Amico. Amateur videos of the incident appeared to show Pantaleo place Garner in a chokehold, and the 43-year-old died a short time later.

Pantaleo was placed on modified duty, meaning his gun and badge were taken away. D'Amico remains on desk duty.

The city medical examiner's office has yet to determine how Garner died. Friends say he had chronic asthma, and he can be heard on the videos repeatedly telling the officers, "I can't breathe," as they hold him on the ground.

Garner's death has been a source of controversy within the NYPD. Police Commissioner William Bratton said that the FBI may review the incident.

Garner's family also met with the U.S. attorney's office, claiming his civil rights were violated; others have questioned why the officers acted so aggressively while trying to detain him for a relatively minor crime.

In Harlem, Garner's mother said any investigation into the use of chokeholds should go far beyond her son's death.

"We want justice for my son, we want justice for your son, your daughter," Gwen Carr said. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."