Protests took over New York streets following the grand jury decision not to indict a cop in the death of Eric Garner. Did he die from an illegal chokehold or a legit police tactic? INSIDE EDITION has the report.
There was fury in New York City as angry protesters took to the streets over a grand jury's decision not to indict a police officer in the death of a father of six.
One woman told INSIDE EDITION, "I am ashamed at the decision. I feel this is a tragedy for the entire community."
One man spoke to INSIDE EDITION saying, "We are not going anywhere! We are not going to tolerate it anymore!"
One of the busiest highways in America, the West Side Highway, was shut down as demonstrators faced off against police in riot gear.
Many marchers chanted the last words of the victim, Eric Garner, "I can't breathe."
Watch Protesters in New York City
Debate is raging over the grand jury's decision and the way Garner died. At issue is the technique that one officer applied as Garner was being arrested. The cop, Daniel Pantaleo, says he used a legal hold taught at the Police Academy to subdue suspects. Garner was allegedly resisting arrest for a minor offense which was selling untaxed cigarettes.
Former police officer Steve Kardian showed INSIDE EDITION’s Steven Fabian how it's done.
He demonstrated, "Under the arm, over. Notice he had the first like this when he initially pulled him. He twisted this way [to the right], he turned this way [to the left], and they ended up into the window. Are you feeling any pressure on your neck right now?"
Fabian responded, "Not really."
But the medical examiner ruled Garner's death was a homicide caused by a chokehold, which is banned by the NYPD. Garner's obesity, asthma, and diabetes were also listed as contributing factors in his death.
Kardian said, "It was not by any means of the imagination a chokehold. It was a take down that converted maybe into a headlock, but it doesn't fit the definition at all of a choke."
Watch Kardian Demonstrate the Tactic Used on Garner
Pantaleo issued a statement following the grand jury decision aimed at Garner's family: "I hope they will accept my personal condolences for their loss."
But his grieving widow refused to accept it. She said at a press conference, "Hell no! No, I don't accept his apology. No, I could care less about his condolences. No, I could care less. He is still working. He is still getting a paycheck."
Now, New Yorkers are bracing for more protests.
