Garner family praises peaceful protests

The family of Eric Garner says they are moved to see thousands of marchers protesting peacefully after the grand jury's decision not to indict the police officer in Garner's death. Hudson Valley residents

News 12 Staff

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Dec 6, 2014, 11:06 PM

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Updated 3,703 days ago

The family of Eric Garner says they are moved to see thousands of marchers protesting peacefully after the grand jury's decision not to indict the police officer in Garner's death.

Hudson Valley residents are some of those participating in demonstrations.

WESPAC organized a protest at the fountain near City Center in White Plains on Friday. A small group came out to stage a "die-in," in which the protesters laid down on the ground.

With White Plains police following close behind and blocking off intersections, the crowd marched in the middle of streets to the Westchester County Building.

The group included Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., whose father was fatally shot by a White Plain police officer three years ago. That officer was not indicted.

"I thought about my father. I thought about that fact that we have a system in place that places no value on black or brown life," Chamberlain told News 12.

Another "die-in" was held at Grand Central Station Friday night, where more than 20 protestors were arrested. Demonstrators have also marched into major New York City stores and stopped traffic on highways.

More than 100 people also gathered at the Nyack Center for a community candlelight vigil. Organizers say it was a time to express grief and sadness about the Garner case.

Organizers say they are holding a rally for Eric Garner at the Rockland Legislature on Sunday.

"I am so proud that everybody is doing what they have to do," Garner's mother says. "Keep on doing it, but just do it in peace."