Sharpton asks federal prosecutors to pursue Garner case

[hrmjustin]

Azi Paybarah

The Rev. Al Sharpton met for 30 minutes with federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn on Friday morning to formally request they take over the investigation of the death of Eric Garner, who died as police attempted to arrest him on Staten Island last week.

After the meeting with prosecutors and Garner's family, Sharpton said video of Garner's encounter with police left it clear "that there can be no doubt" police officers and emergency medical workers violated Garner's civil rights.

Sharpton compared Garner's case to prior police-abuse cases involving Abner Louima, Rodney King and Anthony Baez.

"When the state court fails to get a conviction, the families have the extra burden and pain of having to go to federal court to finally get justice," Sharpton said. "And we feel based on the advice of the attorneys that there is more than enough federal jurisdiction here, that the civil rights of Eric Garner were violated, that led to his death."

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8549672/sharpton-asks-federal-prosecutors-pursue-garner-case

[hrmjustin]

1. Community in Outrage over handling of Eric Garner police killing

http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2014/jul/24/outrage/

[hrmjustin]

2. Rev. Dr. Ronald Wells: Open letter to the mayor and police commissioner of the city of New York

http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2014/jul/24/open-letter-mayor-and-police-commissioner-city-new/

[hrmjustin]

3. The death of Eric Garner demands prompt answers

http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2014/jul/24/death-eric-garner-demands-prompt-answers/