Eric Garner
Eric Garner was an African-American man who became a prominent figure in discussions about police brutality and racial injustice in the United States. Born on September 15, 1970, Garner gained national attention after an altercation with New York City police officers on July 17, 2014, in Staten Island, New York. During the encounter, a police officer used a chokehold on Garner while attempting to arrest him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Garner repeatedly said, "I can't breathe," while restrained, which was captured on video and widely shared, sparking protests and calls for justice. His death was ruled a homicide, caused in part by the chokehold and compression of his chest by officers. The incident and subsequent lack of indictments against involved officers fueled debates about police use of force, racial profiling, and the treatment of minorities by law enforcement. Eric Garner's case became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and spurred national dialogue on policing practices and accountability.