Eric Garner was a 43-year-old African American man who died in police custody in New York City on July 17, 2014.

Garner was approached by police officers for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. During the encounter, Garner was placed in a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Garner repeatedly said, "I can't breathe" before losing consciousness. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Garner's death was captured on video by a bystander and sparked widespread protests and calls for justice. His case became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.

While Pantaleo was initially placed on administrative duty, he was later fired from the NYPD. However, he was not criminally charged until 2019, when he was indicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Garner's case highlighted the issue of excessive force by police officers, particularly against African Americans. His death continues to be a significant symbol of the fight for racial justice and police reform.