Leaders of two police unions had some strong words Tuesday over what they are calling anti-police rhetoric in the wake of the death of Eric Garner last month.
Speaking to reporters in Lower Manhattan, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch discussed what he calls an attitude that says it’s acceptable to resist arrest, and urged officers to be cautious.
“The lack of respect for law enforcement resulting from the slanderous, insulting and unjust manner in which police officers are being portrayed by race baiters, politicians, pundits and even our elected officials,” Lynch said.
Lynch also disputed the medical examiner’s report that said a chokehold killed Garner during his arrest on July 17 and ripped critics who say police target minority communities.
“It is outrageously insulting to all police officers to say that we go out on our streets to choke people of color, as Al Sharpton stated while seated right next to our mayor at City Hall,” Lynch added.
“A cause of death of homicide is purely the way a person died, it’s not a criminal charge, it places no blame on anyone but yet we’re calling for a murder charge,” said Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins.
While the NYPD investigates, Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who subdued Garner, has been stripped of his gun and badge and placed on modified duty.
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
