Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson’s Statement on the Grand Jury Decision in the Eric Garner Case

MIAMI  – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released this statement following the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case:

“I am truly disappointed and stunned by the Staten Island grand jury’s decision not to return an indictment in the death of Eric Garner who died after being placed in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo.

Again, the justice system has failed yet another unarmed Black man. In this case, Eric Garner’s violent death was videotaped, leaving no doubt that there is a clear injustice.

I expose children on a daily basis to techniques on how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project that I founded 22-years-ago. This program teaches boys how to interact with law enforcement and has paid huge dividends in the salvation of human life.

We must break this tragic pattern of predictability. We cannot afford a repeat of the past.

As we pray for the Garner family, let us continue to wage a peaceful battle to put an end to injustice and racial profiling.”