New York City reaches $5.9 million settlement with Eric Garner’s family

The city of New York has reached a $5.9 million settlement with the family of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a chokehold during an arrest by a New York police officer, officials said.

Garner’s family filed notice of a $75 million lawsuit against New York City and the New York Police Department last October, according to New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, who announced the settlement.

“Following a judicious review of the claim and facts of this case, my office was able to reach a settlement with the estate of Eric Garner that is in the best interests of all parties,” Stringer said in a statement.

Eric Garner, 46, died on Staten Island on July 17, 2014, during an arrest for allegedly selling lucy’s : untaxed, single cigarettes.

The confrontation was caught on video in which Garner, who was asthmatic, could be heard saying, “I can’t breathe,” nearly a dozen times while he was placed in an apparent chokehold by NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo.

His last words became a rally and cry against excessive force by police and police brutality particularly against brown and Black people in New York and all over the country.

Garner’s death was ruled a homicide, but Officer Pantaleo was cleared in any wrong-doing by a Staten Island grand jury in December.