43-year-old Eric Garner died on Thursday while being taken into custody by the NYPD. A witness, Ramsey Orta, shot video of Garner being held in a chokehold by a NYPD officer. The video seems to capture Garner saying, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe” before he stops moving. The NYPD said in a statement that Garner “died of a heart attack while being taken into custody.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, whose relationship with NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has improved after a difficult history, plans to hold two rallies on Saturday to bring attention to the situation. Sharpton has already spoken with Bratton and NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio, according to a post on the website of the National Action Committee, which also says Sharpton is meeting with Garner’s family on Staten Island where his death occurred. Garner was 6’5″ and 300 pounds. The police were trying to arrest him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Garner leaves behind six children and two grandchildren, according to UPI.
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