Eric Garner died last month after he was put into an illegal chokehold by New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo.
Carlo Allegri / Reuters
STATEN ISLAND — Thousands of people marched on Saturday for Eric Garner, the black man who died in July after he was put into a chokehold by a white police officer. Earlier this month, Garner's death was ruled a homicide by the New York City medical examiner.
The march, which began around 11:30 a.m., was led by Rev. Al Sharpton, former Gov. David Patterson, and members of Garner's family. People chanted "no justice, no peace, no chokehold, release" as well as "hands up, don't shoot," to show solidarity for Michael Brown, the 18-year-old man who was killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo.
While initial reports said the NYPD were expecting about 15,000 people, the protest was much smaller. One official told BuzzFeed she thought there were a "few thousand" people. Still, organizers said they were happy with the turnout, and deemed the day a success.
Although people from all five boroughs, young and old, came out to rally for justice, many were local residents who knew Eric Garner personally. Local business owner Van Mobley, 55, described Garner as a "pleasant, gentle guy" who had frequented Mobley's Car Wash & Auto Detailing shop over the past year and a half.
"Most people try to come in and bargain with me for the prices," said Mobley. "Garner never did, but he had such a good sense of humor that I ended up giving him a discount just for being such a nice guy."
Hundreds of young people also attended Sunday's protests, some with their parents and others who came alone to stand up against police brutality, fearful that it could be them next.
from BuzzFeed - Breaking http://ift.tt/1l4hicN
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