In the News

CBC, House members shocked by Garner Grand Jury Verdict
Washington Examiner
By Susan Ferrechio
December 3, 2014

Congressional Black Caucus members and lawmakers representing New York City said they want an investigation following a grand jury decision not to indict an NYPD officer who was recorded on video putting a suspect in a chokehold, killing him.

“How could you sit there as a jury, watch this video and issue a non-indictment,” Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., said Wednesday after the verdict was announced.

The decision not to indict Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner sparked outrage among CBC members, who were busy voting on legislation when the verdict was announced.

The verdict came on the heels of a Ferguson, Missouri grand jury decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown.

Garner, whom police suspected of selling cigarettes illegally, was unarmed when he was placed in a chokehold by the officer. At one point in the video, Garner can be heard telling police, "I can't breathe."

“I’m the father of two African-American boys and I don’t know what to say to them about what’s happening in this country right now,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said.

“We’ve got a problem that America has to confront,” Jeffries said. “We can’t run away from this problem any further.”

Just two nights ago, CBC members took to the House floor for a special hour of speeches in response to the Ferguson verdict, which has led to rioting.

During those floor remarks, CBC members called for wholesale changes in the grand jury system, body cameras for police officers and even putting some police departments under federal control.

On Wednesday evening, outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Justice Department will investigate Garner’s death.

Holder is expected to be replaced early next year by Loretta Lynch, who has yet to be confirmed by the Senate but is widely expected to clear the confirmation process.

Lynch is experienced in dealing with police conduct issues in New York City.

She helped investigate and prosecute one of NYPD’s worst cases of police brutality — the assault of Abner Louima with a broomstick after he was arrested outside a Brooklyn nightclub in 1997.

“I am confident that Loretta Lynch will conduct a tough but fair investigation into the tragic death of Eric Garner,” Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “She is both a consummate professional with a strong commitment to justice, and has a close working relationship with the New York City law enforcement community.”