Staten Island, NY is the center of the universe at least for this week….a grand jury convened on and made a decision about the NYC police officer involved in death/murder of Eric Garner.
NO INDICTMENT !!!!!
Yes, that’s right a grand jury failed to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo over the “choke-hold death” of Eric Garner an African American male, basically accused of “breathing while black” in front of a store a few months ago. The travesty of being black, male and standing on the sidewalk in America…..some how brought on a full assault by multiple NYPD officers with Officer Pantaleo administering an illegal choke-hold and subsequently leading to Mr Garner’s death.
A decision of “no indictment” means criminal charges won’t be brought against NYPD Officer Pantaleo in the case. Though this is not the only case/investigation regarding Eric Garner’s untimely death, at least three other investigations are open that could lead to federal charges for Officer Pantaleo.
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has invoked the Ferguson, Mike Brown case, it’s localized protesters and the now national movement “Black Lives Matter” as an issue that touches him and his family personally. Mayor de Blasio is the father of a mixed race but black identified son. The Mayor has spoken of his own fears for his son Dante on the streets of New York.
Mayor de Blasio has pleaded for calmer heads and hearts to prevail….in an effort to keep any protests from falling to violence.