Mr Garner's dying words were "I can't breathe".
A New York State grand jury did not confirm criminal charges. After a long civil rights investigation, federal prosecutors decided in July 2019 not to bring charges. The decision to dismiss Officer Pantaleo, based on the recommendation of a New York Police Department (NYPD) disciplinary judge, was announced by New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill. In explaining his decision, Mr O'Neill said mobile phone video of Garner's death clearly shows the officer used a chokehold, which is prohibited by the NYPD.