Gwen Carr, Mother of Eric Garner, Condemns Minneapolis Police Killing of George Floyd, Who Said “I Can’t Breathe” Before Dying

New York – Today, Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, condemned the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, who was heard on video saying “I can’t breathe” before dying – the same words Garner used when he was killed by NYPD officers in 2014.

“Today, I was horrified to learn about the death of George Floyd, and to hear him utter the same dying declaration as my son Eric. I offer my deepest condolences to the Floyd family, and I stand with them in their fight to get justice for George” said Ms. Carr.

“It’s painful but true that Black lives continue to be destroyed by police officers in many communities across our country. They keep killing us, and it's the same story again and again," said Ms. Carr.

"It's good that the four police officers were fired today, but that is not enough for justice. Nothing will bring George Floyd back to his family, just as nothing can bring Eric back to me,” said Ms. Carr. 

“I am glad that the firing of the officers is one fight George Floyd's family will not have to keep fighting. In my case, it should not have taken five years of fighting and protesting before NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo was fired for his role in my son Eric's death. But it did. And because Mayor de Blasio still refuses to act, I am still fighting to get the other officers who helped kill Eric fired, including Justin Damico, even though July will be six years later," said Ms. Carr.

“Black people in this country need to be treated as worthy of respect and given a real chance to live fulfilling, healthy, and prosperous lives. The killing of our children must end,” said Ms. Carr .

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About Communities United for Police Reform

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and reduces reliance on policing. CPR runs coalitions of over 200 local, statewide and national organizations, bringing together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those most unfairly targeted by the NYPD.