Group of congressional Democrats push Justice Department to investigate Eric Garner’s death

A group of congressional Democrats is pressing the Justice Department to launch an investigation into the case of Eric Garner, who died while in police custody last month. "We believe it is in the

News 12 Staff

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Aug 15, 2014, 1:22 AM

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Updated 3,787 days ago

A group of congressional Democrats is pressing the Justice Department to launch an investigation into the case of Eric Garner, who died while in police custody last month.

"We believe it is in the best interest of all to have the attorney general review the policies that took place here," says Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-5th District).

Cellphone video shows officers allegedly putting Garner in a chokehold after police suspected him of selling loose cigarettes in Staten Island.

The medical examiner has ruled his death a homicide.

"No one intervened, not a supervisor, not anyone," says Meeks. "Someone, it seems to me, should have been intervening in that scenario."

While Garner's family is calling for charges against the officers involved, the elected officials are also criticizing the NYPD's policy to target minor infractions to prevent more serious crimes.

The Staten Island district attorney has not announced whether any criminal charges will be filed in Garner's death.