Washington, D.C. – Following news of the termination of NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo, Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, issued the following statement in response:

“This termination was long overdue. I hope that the firing of Daniel Pantaleo provides a small measure of justice to Eric’s Garner family which has tirelessly pursued justice for the past 5 years. While the justice system failed to hold Pantaleo accountable, his continued service with the NYPD sent a dangerous message to communities of color that cops can kill with full impunity. This firing makes clear that Pantaelo’s actions warranted, at bare minimum, being stripped of the privilege of bearing a badge and gun.

Clarke continued: “No doubt, the continuing calls for justice from the Garner family and activists across the country helped contribute to this outcome. Eric Garner’s death stands as a reminder about the important work that must be done to confront the use of deadly force against unarmed African Americans.”