Assemblymember Michael Blake - Statement Regarding Officer Daniel Pantaleo and Justice for Eric Garner

Today, Deputy Commissioner of Trials, Rosemarie Maldonado recommended that NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo should be fired for his direct involvement in the death of Eric Garner. After half a decade, we are on the road towards long-awaited justice.   But that's not enough. I call on Commissioner O'Neill to fire all parties involved with Mr. Garner's death and the subsequent cover-up, including Officers Justin D’Amico, Mark Ramos and Craig Furlani, Sergeant Kizzy Adonis and Lieutenant Christopher Bannon. I standby the Garner family on their call for New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill to do his job and fire Pantaleo, without pension or benefits. It has been five years. Five years since Mr. Garner's tragic death at the hands of an individual who swore to protect and serve his community. Five years since we've been waiting for justice to be served. We will not allow this to be swept under the rug. Eric Garner deserves justice beyond recommendations for the firing of the man who murdered him in broad daylight and in cold blood. Officer Pantaleo's suspension is not enough. All officers involved must be charged and fired for their conduct. New Yorkers deserve to know that bad actors in the NYPD will be held responsible for misconduct, regardless of their name and title. We will continue to fight and make our voices heard until all parties involved have been held accountable for their actions.

Sincerely,  Assembly Member Michael A. Blake