Color Of Change demands increased accountability in aftermath of NYPD decision

NEW YORK, NY – In response to today’s decision from NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill to fire Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who killed Eric Garner, Scott Roberts, Senior Director of Criminal Justice Campaigns at Color of Change said:

“First and foremost, our hearts go out to the Garner family, who throughout all of the delays and excuses over the last five years are still missing their son, husband and father. Nothing can bring Eric Garner back or mend the hurt his family has endured.

This overdue outcome, which has been five years in the making, is not a victory, but rather the direct result of relentless activism and organizing from the activist and criminal justice communities both here in New York and across the country. While the NYPD has consistently and systematically tried to silence those who have demanded justice and transparency, this community persisted.

This decision is a signal to police forces across the country that they must be responsive to the communities they are meant to protect, and if they act beyond those interests, they will be held accountable. Color Of Change and its 1.5 million members will continue to demand justice and accountability from every facet of the criminal justice system, including the other officers involved in falsifying records and covering up information in this case, to ensure no family must endure the pain the Garner family has faced these past five years.”