Family of Eric Garner: 'Victory Will Come When We Get Justice'
Amid news that the family of Eric Garner accepted a $5.9 million settlement from New York City for the victim's chokehold death last July, Garner's loved ones says justice can't be bought. Garner's widow, mother and children spoke at a press conference Tuesday and said they will continue to rally until justice is served.
"They treated my husband like an animal," said Garner's widow Esaw Garner. "Now I have no one but my children and I have to deal with this the rest of my life."
A grand jury decided not to indict Daniel Pantaleo in December 2014, igniting protests worldwide where demonstrators chanted "I can't breathe," which was Garner's final plea for help, heard on a video that captured his death. The Justice Department is still investigating the case.
"Money is not justice," Rev. Al Sharpton said. "Money is the recognition of the loss of the family. But it does not deal with the criminal and other wrong done to this family and other families."
"The victory will come when we get justice," Garner's mother, Gwen Carr said. The family and the National Action Network announced that this weekend will be Eric Garner's Commemoration Weekend, to memorialize the year since Garner was killed after being stopped by officers in Staten Island.
Demonstrations will be held all over the city, including a rally in front of Cadman Plaza. They will be joined by the families of Michael Brown and Amadou Diallo.
"What does justice look like? When [we get] indictments, when we get a fair trial. No amount of money is going to bring my father back," expressed Erica Snipes, his daughter.
"The video tape of Eric Garner saying 'I can't breathe' 11 times has spurred a movement. It started a year ago. We will not end it until we stop how policing goes. There needs to be structural change and we need federal intervention," Sharpton said.
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(Photo: Michael Graae/Getty Images)
