Eric Garner died last month after he was put into an illegal chokehold by New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo.
Carlo Allegri / Reuters
STATEN ISLAND — Thousands of people marched on Saturday for Eric Garner, the 43-year-old black man who died in July after he was put into a chokehold by a white police officer. Earlier this month, Garner's death was ruled a homicide by the New York City medical examiner.
The march, which began around 11:30 a.m., was led by Rev. Al Sharpton, former Gov. David Patterson, and members of Garner's family. Protesters chanted "no justice, no peace, no chokehold, release" as well as "hands up, don't shoot," to show solidarity for Michael Brown, the 18-year-old man from Ferguson, Mo. who on Aug. 8 also died as a result of police violence.
While initial reports said the NYPD were expecting about 15,000 people, the protest was much smaller. One official told BuzzFeed she thought there were a "few thousand" people. Still, organizers said they were happy with the turnout, and deemed the day a success.
People of all ages throughout New York City came out to rally for justice, though some were local residents who knew Eric Garner personally. Local business owner Van Mobley, 55, described Garner as a "pleasant, gentle guy" who had frequented Mobley's Car Wash & Auto Detailing shop over the past year and a half.
"Most people try to come in and bargain with me for the prices," said Mobley. "Garner never did, but he had such a good sense of humor that I ended up giving him a discount just for being such a nice guy."
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