Sharpton sees ‘real test’ for de Blasio in Garner’s death

[hrmjustin]

Azi Paybarah

At a rally in Harlem on Saturday, the Rev. Al Sharpton said the death of Eric Garner as he was being arrested by police would test the commitment of the de Blasio administration to police reforms.

“This is going to be a real test to see where policies are in the city now and whether the change that we feel has occurred, has occurred," said Sharpton at the rally.

Mayor Bill de Blasio postponed his family vacation to Italy on Friday following the death of Garner, a 43-year-old asthmatic who died after a police officer put him in a chokehold while trying to arrest him on Staten Island on Thursday.

De Blasio did not attend Sharpton's rally, but he spoke by telephone with Garner's wife and mother after the rally, according to a spokeswoman, Marti Adams, who said the mayor called “to offer his condolences. During their conversation, he reassured the family that the city is doing everything possible to ensure a full and thorough investigation.” Adams did not respond when asked if the mayor apologized.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8549279/sharpton-sees-real-test-de-blasio-garners-death

[hrmjustin]

1. Sharpton marches on Staten Island: ‘Keep rolling that tape’

Conor Skelding

The Rev. Al Sharpton rallied hundreds of supporters and a handful of city politicians for a march and protest on Staten Island on Saturday, following the death of Eric Garner as he was being arrested by police last week.

“According to what I saw in the video, they disregarded his humanity,” Sharpton said.

He emphasized the value of the video that appeared to show police using a chokehold—a prohibited maneuver—to restrain Garner.

“Y’all ain’t got to explain our side, just run the tape on the news,” he said.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8549283/sharpton-marches-staten-island-keep-rolling-tape