Mass protests are now expected in New York City after a Staten Island grand jury chose not to indict NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo for killing Eric Garner.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has already cancelled his scheduled appearance tonight at the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in wake of the jury decision.
Following the announcement, officials with the Justice Department confirmed that a federal inquiry into Garner’s death had been launched. According to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, local U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, who has been nominated to replace Eric Holder, will head up the investigation.
Never letting a good crisis go to waste, Rev. Al Sharpton, who attended the Garner Garner family press conference, called for a national anti-police brutality march in Washington, DC on December 13.
Countless Twitter users began calling for riots almost immediately, causing concern that Garner’s death could spawn Ferguson-style riots across the country.
Eric Garner deserves a riot
— ❁ (@shushud_) December 3, 2014
After the Eric Garner decision I’m ready to riot — Christian Dunn (@rcdunn1010) December 3, 2014
Staten Island, NY, grand jury elects not to charge officer in choke-hold death of Eric Garner – riot time…… http://t.co/eCTAHtYC2K
— John (@angry_vet_) December 3, 2014
No indictment over Eric Garner death. Riot gear ready, PD? — Franci (@LadySandersfarm) December 3, 2014
If the cop that murdered Eric Garner isn’t indicted this week, we should ALL riot!
— Derik Foster (@DerikDaDerelict) December 3, 2014
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