Police officer accused in Eric Garner death fired News
Angelo_Giordano / Pixabay
Police officer accused in Eric Garner death fired

New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill on Monday announced his decision to fire Daniel Panteleo, the police officer who was involved in Eric Garner’s death.

Five year ago, Garner was accused of illegally selling loose cigarettes. When confronted by police, Garner refused to comply with an arrest by then-Officer Pantaleo. Pantaleo clasped and maintained Garner in a chokehold, which was determined to be a prohibited use of unreasonable force. Garner died, saying “I can’t breathe,” which was recorded on camera.

O’Neill agreed with the Deputy of Commissioner of Trials’ legal findings and recommendations to fire Panteleo. His statement at the news conference explored both the burden of fault and the losses experienced by Garner and Panteleo. Because Garner resisted arrest and Panteleo used a dangerous chokehold for an extended period of time, Garner lost his life and Panteleo has lost his chosen career.

The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) released a statement criticizing O’Neill, claiming he had “chosen politics and his own self-interest over the police officers he claims to lead.”The PBA additionally expressed concern that politicians would be able to affect future outcomes of NYPD disciplinary proceedings.

Garner’s daughter Emerald Garner was quoted saying, “thank you for doing the right thing … [a] decision that should have been made five years ago.”

O’Neill expressed hope that reconciliation would result from this latest decision.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.