Earlier today, it was revealed that a grand jury would not indict white New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo over the death of African American Eric Garner, whose death was caused by an illegal chokehold.
The ruling comes nine days after a Ferguson, MO grand jury decided not to charge a white police officer for the murder of unarmed black teen, Michael Brown.
As previously reported, Garner died during an arrest on July 17th outside of a convenience store in Staten Island. He was reportedly selling single, untaxed cigarettes — the entire incident was caught on video.
The chokehold is considered an illegal move to use in an arrest in New York and is defined by the NYPD as "any pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air," but according to new reports, the move has been used more this year than in a decade.
Following the ruling, several members from the R&B community took to Twitter to voice their disdain and/or concerns.
R.I.P Eric Garner!
"This is just so unbelievably sad and disturbing. What do I tell my young son? #Icantbreathe" – Deborah Cox
"R.I.P. Eric Garner… May your soul find rest, and may your family find comfort in their hour of mourning." – Ne-Yo
"Mayor of New York telling the truth right now." – Trey Songz
"genocide" – Dawn Richard
"tears fall and words won't come to me #ICantBreathe" – Anita Baker
"Trayvon happened. They wanted witnesses. Mike Brown happened. They wanted footage. Eric Garner happened. ALL not guilty or non-indictments." – Tyrese
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.
