Community Activists Respond to Official Roundtable Regarding the Death of Eric Garner

by Kelsey Schappell | 07/31/2014 | 4:39pm

Community Activists Respond to Official Roundtable Regarding the Death of Eric Garner

New York City Mayor de Blasio, Police Commissioner Bratton and the Reverend Al Sharpton met today to discuss the death of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man who died in police custody earlier this month. Community activists voiced their own opinions follo

City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez said the NYPD has been overstepping its bounds lately.

"You don't put a pregnant woman in a chokehold. You do not put a man for supposedly selling ‘loosies’ in a chokehold," Mendez said at City Hall on Thursday.

Over the weekend, a pregnant Brooklyn woman was put into an apparent choke hold by police after they found her illegally grilling.

On July 17, Eric Garner died after being put in a similar hold by police as they arrested him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes.

Activists and civil libertarians said they want the NYPD to focus more on violent crimes instead of petty offenses, while also ensuring officers play more supportive roles in their neighborhoods.

Police Commissioner Bratton said he's committed to improving training and community relations.

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