New York, NY – Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH’-zee-oh) is extending his “deepest sympathy” to the family of a New York City man whose death was ruled to be caused by a police chokehold.
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De Blasio issued a statement Friday shortly after the medical examiner ruled that Eric Garner’s death last month was a homicide.
The mayor also has reiterated his commitment to improving the relationship between minority communities and the police.
Garner, who is black, died after a white police officer placed him in a chokehold during an attempt to arrest the 43-year-old for selling untaxed, loose cigarettes.
The videotaped confrontation caused widespread outcry and calls by the Rev. Al Sharpton for federal prosecution.
Prosecutors are investigating.
Garner’s wife tells the Daily News she is thankful that “the truth is finally out.”