Family Of Black Man Who Died After Police Chokehold Settled For $5.9m

An onlooker released video footage shot that showed Mr Garner telling officers to leave him alone, that he cannot breathe.
One of the officers, Daniel Pantaleo, then placed him in a chokehold to wrestle him to the ground and Mr Garner could be heard gasping "I can't breathe" 11 times before he lost consciousness.

The family the black man who died after he was put in a chokehold by a white police officer has reached a $5.9m (£3.8m) settlement with New York City.

Eric Garner, 43, was stopped on 17 July last year outside a convenience store in Staten Island because police officers believed he was selling untaxed cigarettes.

He was pronounced dead later at a hospital and his death sparked protests over the deaths of black men involving suspected police brutality.

Mr Garner's family filed a notice of claim against the city in October asking for $75m (£48m).

The city medical examiner found that the chokehold had contributed to Mr Garner's death, but a grand jury declined to indict the officer.

A federal investigation is ongoing.

Chokeholds are banned under New York Police Department policy, but Mr Pantaleo insisted he used a legal takedown during the arrest.

Scott Stringer, New York City Comptroller - the city's chief fiscal officer - said: "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."

The city has not admitted any liability.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "By reaching a resolution, family and other loves ones can move forward even though we know they will never forget this tragic incident." 

The Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist, will hold a news conference later on Tuesday with Mr Garner's family. 

He said a rally planned for Saturday calling for an expedited federal investigation into Mr Garner's death will go ahead.

In 2004, New York City agreed to pay $3m (£1.9m) to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of Amadou Diallo, a West African immigrant who was shot dead by four police officers in 1999.

In 2010, the city paid $3.25m (£2m) to the estate of Sean Bell, who was killed as he left his bachelor party outside a strip club in 2006.