The family of Eric Garner, the black man who died after being placed in an NYPD officer’s chokehold, can take some solace in knowing they are all about to become millionaires, this after the city reached a $5.9 million settlement in their favor.
In October, Garner’s family filed a notice of claim, the first step in filing a lawsuit against the city. They were asking for $75 million.
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Garner, who was 43 at the time of his death, was placed in a chokehold outside a Staten Island convenience store after police officers received complaints he was selling loose cigarettes. A video shot by a witness showed Garner informing officers that he “couldn’t breathe.” “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying call for thousands of resulting protesters across the country.
Garner’s death sparked nationwide demonstrations and sparked a national debate over police brutality.
The settlement means the city will not have admit to any liability over Garner’s death.
