Protesters rally at City Hall over police custody death of Eric Garner

A protest was held at City Hall following the police custody death of Eric Garner. In a video that has gone viral, Eric Garner, of Staten Island, appears to be put into a chokehold by a plain clothes

News 12 Staff

Jul 21, 2014, 10:31 PM

Updated 3,732 days ago

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A protest was held at City Hall following the police custody death of Eric Garner.
In a video that has gone viral, Eric Garner, of Staten Island, appears to be put into a chokehold by a plain clothes officer while he was being arrested. News 12 The Bronx is told Garner went into cardiac arrest after saying several times that he could not breathe. Garner was being arrested on suspicion of selling untaxed cigarettes.
The group, New Yorkers against Bratton, say Garner's death is a clear cut case of police brutality. They say he is just the latest unarmed person of color to die at the hands of the NYPD. The group called for NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton's resignation and wants a federal investigation of the police department.
Since the video surfaced, the main officer involved was stripped of his gun and badge and put on desk duty. Another officer was also put on desk duty.
Another video released shows Garner unresponsive and receiving little aid from police or EMTs who responded to the scene. The FDNY says four of those EMTs will not be allowed to respond to emergency calls while they complete their investigation into the man's death.
The mayor and police commissioner have promised a full investigation. The medical examiner has not yet determined the exact cause of death.
The NYPD has not returned calls for comment on the group's demands.
Garner's funeral will be held at a Baptist church in Boreum Hill on Wednesday.