Protesters decry Eric Garner grand jury vote

4 Dec, 2014 00:37 / Updated 10 years ago

Protesters are taking to the streets of New York City and other cities after a grand jury voted not to indict an NYPD police officer over the chokehold death of Eric Garner. Department of Justice will open civil rights investigation in the case.

09 December 2014

Protesters in Berkeley have shut down both sides of the I-80 freeway.

We've blocked both sides of the freeway. #berkeleyprotest#ShutItDownpic.twitter.com/cf3tPK36Jz

— Sunflower Alliance (@SunflowerAction) December 9, 2014

80 freeway blocked, both directions. Too many of us to clear. Teargas is inevitable. #Berkeley#BlackLivesMatter#FTPpic.twitter.com/UzABatWroD

— Not Frantz Fanon (@violentfanon) December 9, 2014

Car honking in solidarity with Berkeley protesters.

truly incredible. #icantbreathe#berkeleypic.twitter.com/EJbRRYPMgy

— karma chameleon (@taylaaa) December 9, 2014

"RT @AmDefNews: Marchers attempting to shutdown I-80, 680, 580, BART & AmTrack. #berkeleyprotests#Berkeley

— Christine Sitzes (@sacourtreporter) December 9, 2014

Dozens of protesters blocking an Amtrak train at Berkeley station#ferguson #ericgarner#berkeleyprotestspic.twitter.com/po9SPcdcaf

— Vivian Ho (@VivianHo) December 9, 2014

There is a clash on a pedestrian bridge that Berkeley protesters tried to cross before being stopped by police.

Feed keeps cutting out but definitely a clash on the pedestrian bridge on overpass. #berkeleyprotestspic.twitter.com/mh1jZYT6nF

— stacEightTweets (@stacEightTweets) December 9, 2014

The #berkeleyprotests are shutting down freeways, stopping trains and blocking streets and our local news isn't airing anything on TV.

— jen (@unmatchedsock) December 9, 2014

Police are blocking the peaceful protest on the footbridge.

We've had a peaceful protest, and the cops blocked the footbridge. I call foul. #berkeleyprotestspic.twitter.com/9MCcsy4KZI

— kendra k (@kendrak) December 9, 2014

Standoff with police on the pedestrian overpass. #berkeley#berkeleyprotestspic.twitter.com/a7D9raTR0s

— Jeff (@jskilli) December 9, 2014

Berkeley protesters shut down Interstate 80 before being dispersed by California Highway Patrol.

#BerkeleyProtests was right there for (very brief) I80 shut down. Cops busted thru line quick pic.twitter.com/qeC9rFW78b

— cordero clandestino (@corderoenvivo) December 9, 2014

Berkeley demonstrators have blocked one side of the 580 Freeway.

Dramatic photo of #berkeleyprotests stopping 580. People are powerful when they work together. pic.twitter.com/uefXwQ4Urg

— Eric Smillie (@ericsmillie) December 9, 2014

Berkeley demonstrators shouting "Freeway, Freeway," are walking along University Avenue which connects to 580 Freeway. Others are chanting "No justice, no peace, no racist police," and "Out of the house, and into the street,"

#berkeleyprotests forced off pedestrian bridge by CHP pic.twitter.com/8wRaHq1YdW

— Tonei Glavinic (@tonei) December 9, 2014

Berkeley demonstrators are now blocking University Avenue.

Hundreds of demonstrators block University Avenue near I-80 in Berkeley #Ferguson#ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/gGV7W5JHtN

— Stephen Knight (@sk_sfbay) December 9, 2014

Protesters in Berkeley, California, estimates in the thousand, are said to be heading to the 580 Freeway.

view of #berkeleyprotests from above. thousands walking west on university toward the highway pic.twitter.com/YeravtJ5TT

— Patryk Perkowski (@patrykkyrtap) December 9, 2014

#berkeleyprotests march tonight is decidedly *not* small. msm helo coverage here: http://t.co/Kqp59MpQaapic.twitter.com/CW3GSkiPZk

— OLAASM (@OLAASM) December 9, 2014

Protesters at the Police Station. #berkeleyprotestspic.twitter.com/6qefNpMFRM

— YungNDum World News (@yungndumtweets) December 9, 2014

Protesters and pedestrians are cordoned off with multiple kettle nets outside Barclays Center, Brooklyn.

Protesters calling for justice for #EricGarner outside Barclays pic.twitter.com/JKCP1qAcdU

— Patrick deHahn (@patrickdehahn) December 9, 2014

protesters kettled at Barclay's Center multiple arrests #RoyalShutdown#EricGarner#ICantBreathehttps://t.co/JxzJ3GmxUi

— JamesFromTheInternet (@JamesFTInternet) December 9, 2014

Protesters take over the Target in Brooklyn.

Atlantic Mall Downtown Brooklyn New York Shutdown In Front Of Target. pic.twitter.com/NOdQcyL4Tx

— Ferguson Mo (@DreadHead_46) December 9, 2014

Target is now shut down! #Brooklyn#NYC#EricGarner#ICantBreathe#ThisStopsTodaypic.twitter.com/QFhB50tIUv

— Ash J (@AshAgony) December 9, 2014

#NYPD trying to close Target before #NYC#ericgarner protesters get in! #ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/y9q85wOQME

— Ash J (@AshAgony) December 9, 2014

Protesters have stormed through security and into the Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, making their way to Target. Organizers said over a megaphone that they will conduct a "die-in" at Target.

#ShutItDownNYC#shutdown#brooklyn#Target@chuckecheese@barclayscenter & the #ManhattanBridge & #Chinatownpic.twitter.com/D6ft1znS29

— Byron Huart (@liveboatusa) December 6, 2014

Reports of pepper spray being used are now coming in. Although police have reportedly used pepper spray on protesters, one NYPD officer apparently used it on himself by accident. According to Breaking911, the EMS is responding to the report.

BREAKING: EMS requested to #BarclaysCenter after #NYPD officer accidentally sprayed himself with pepper spray while spraying protesters

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 9, 2014

Cops need EMS when sprayed with pepper spray. But willingly spray civilians & then deny them care #FunnyToYaBoy

— ß ツ (@PhoneDaPosites) December 9, 2014

Watch LIVE FEED of Brooklyn protest on RT

Video: Protesters block traffic in front of New York’s Barclays Center – rachelholliday https://t.co/rsSKuBCDkH

— Meshelly (@MeshellyGeorge) December 9, 2014

.

First arrest of the night at Barclays Center. Lots of shoving. Someone charged the line, says an officer; police pushed back. #ICantBreathe

— Katie Toth (@kat_toth) December 9, 2014

"#ICantBreathe" being chanted out front of th Barclays Center. #RoyalShutdownhttps://t.co/ZqrPVaTB6i

— Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) December 8, 2014

.

Kyrie Irving warming up at Barclays Center in #ICantBreathe t-shirt. pic.twitter.com/PMAuGNhTcw

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) December 8, 2014

Dozens of NYPD officers are stationed outside the Barclays, where hundreds are participating in the protest.

Scene outside Barclays Center, 4 minutes to tip. Lines 20 feet out and about 50-70 NYPD officers. pic.twitter.com/OHDJXRKQAD

— Reed Wallach (@ReedWallach) December 9, 2014

NBA star LeBron James threw his support behind Eric Garner's family and supporters, donning a shirt that says "I can't breathe" during the pre-game warm-ups at the Barclays Center.

And here is @KingJames in an #ICantBreathe t-shirt, standing with the family of #EricGarner. pic.twitter.com/pfVBc43KEe

— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) December 9, 2014

Photo: LeBron James during warmups sporting the "I Can't Breathe" t-shirt. #ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/MyzNjbqy9A

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 9, 2014

Protesters have gathered at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Britain's Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate Middleton, are attending an NBA game. Demonstrators staged a "die-in" outside the arena.

Die-in happening now at Barclays Center pic.twitter.com/SaLaN6sv47

— Amanda M. Sakuma (@iamsakuma) December 9, 2014

Photo: Protesters hold 'die-in' outside Barclays Center, where Brooklyn Nets prepare to play Cleveland Cavaliers pic.twitter.com/QkWOiXtGKa

— BreakinNewz (@BreakinNewz01) December 9, 2014

Die-in now happening as part of the #royalshutdown#EricGarner protest outside Barclays Center. pic.twitter.com/BJDStYklhi

— Patrick deHahn (@patrickdehahn) December 9, 2014

07 December 2014

One policemen sustained minor injuries after demonstrators threw projectiles at police in Berkeley, California, Berkeley police Officer Jennifer Coats told local reporters.

The incident happened at a rally of 400 people that turned violent in the area of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Because of civil unrest, Berkeley's Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) closed at around 7 pm, BART officials said.

Berkeley protest has been declared unlawful assembly, police say #EricGarner#mikebrown#protesthttps://t.co/mrYfCCgRXA

— Greta Kaul (@gretakaul) December 7, 2014

Protesters in Downtown Denver 12/6/14 #EricGarner#ICantBreathehttp://t.co/7hLFeZA4mO

— Romel Romero (@1romelromero) December 7, 2014

"I'm only 13, I wanna see 23. Please officer, please, don't shoot me." #ICantBreathe#NYChttps://t.co/Ek9fm7opTn

— Sarah (@buonasahra) December 5, 2014

"@MCmuckraker: I can't breathe! Detroit die-in #noelnight#EricGarner #icantbreathehttps://t.co/78R7oNuf3j"powerful protests 4 change

— Elina Svantesson (@lheulina) December 7, 2014

In Riverside, California, at least one person was injured after being struck by a vehicle during police brutality protests.

The incident took place about 6:30 p.m. in the area of Mission Inn Avenue, according to Riverside Police Department.

A BMW just ran down protestors blocking university at mission at the #Riverside#ICantBreathe protest pic.twitter.com/hCuv6sYGQk

— Cassandra (@CassandraRules) December 7, 2014

Protestors march in Grand Central Terminal. #EricGarner#HandsUpDontShoot Via @derayhttps://t.co/FjyjHu3Zbz

— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) December 7, 2014

Protests are also taking place in Berkeley, California next to the University.

downtown #berkeley rn. #BlackLivesMatter#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/c60mIyH2o9

— pan ellington (@littlechicken) December 7, 2014

A fourth evening of demonstrations against police violence is hitting the streets of New York.

Mass die-in at Grand Central right now. #EricGarner#AkaiGurley#BlackLivesMatter#ICantBreathe (alexqarbuckle insta) pic.twitter.com/RJGLAwFoL3

— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) December 7, 2014

Protesters taking turn at the People's Mic, sharing stories of police brutality #ShutItDown#ICantBreathe#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/oJadksm0Dc

— Lucy (@lucyfic) December 7, 2014

Retired Philly cop @CaptainRayLewis has protested in #Ferguson and was arrested in #NYC#EricGarner protests. Respect pic.twitter.com/KpiEhN83ac

— Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism) December 6, 2014

"@KhaledBeydoun#NYPD to use Facial Recognition Tech to monitor "agitators" on social media, protests. #ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/UmZi6axe8X"

— Niitsiipoaahsin (@niitsitapii) December 7, 2014

06 December 2014

.#Ferguson#HandsUp#DontShootpic.twitter.com/q6VXiKBzft

— oj (@ojisinnocent) December 6, 2014

Traffic has also been halted in Lexington, Kentucky.

Right now in #Lexington#Kentucky saying #BlackLivesMatter#ICantBreathe#ShutItDownpic.twitter.com/PZcYDgUmff

— Beth Bissmeyer (@betharoomagoo) December 6, 2014

Protesters have blocked traffic in downtown San Francisco.

Die in happening now downtown SF #ShutItDownSF#ShutItDown#BlackLivesMatterpic.twitter.com/XsKEs1tAa4

— Brianna Monae (@BriannaMonae) December 6, 2014

Protesters in Seattle are staging a massive sit-in protest in front of the Police Department.

In front of @SeattlePD hq #BlackLivesMatter#EricGarner#MikeBrown#Ferguson#ShutItDownpic.twitter.com/tPX7ouLzSi

— Chris Mobley (@chrislmobley) December 6, 2014

#Anonymous#D6Resist#unionsquare Action starting now 100 people here already #D6Resist#NYC#EricGarner#ShutItDownpic.twitter.com/v4tRGcddIM

— Anonymous (@YourAnonGlobal) December 6, 2014

I love the amount of people here. All races are represented. #Seattle#BlackLiveMatter#HandsUppic.twitter.com/nbFMBFnME9

— Akaash Saini (@akaashsaini) December 6, 2014

Hundreds of activists have started marching in San Francisco.

Marching down Valencia in #SF#ShutItDown#ShutItDownSFpic.twitter.com/BWiITv3q7H

— Brianna Monae (@BriannaMonae) December 6, 2014

Seattle is on the march too.

I cannot get enough of this marching band. #Seattle#EricGarnerhttps://t.co/icZnntymBZ via @vine#Icantbreathe#ericgarner#shutitdown

— Michael Vines (@MichaelWVines) December 6, 2014

Black men w/ #HandsUp at #BlackLivesMatter March in #Seattle! #MikeBrown#EricGarner#ThisStopsToday#shutitdown#p2pic.twitter.com/dMyBokQ0dR

— Gregory A. Cendana (@gregorycendana) December 6, 2014

#NYC UNION SQUARE it's going down! 5pm. #ShutItDown#D6Resist#EricGarner#HandsUp#Icantbreathe#ferguson#actionConvergence

— Anonymous (@YourAnonGlobal) December 6, 2014

Protesters have stopped traffic on Hollywood Boulevard as they speak out against racism and police prejudice.

Thousands are laying in the middle of Hollywood Blvd.. Traffic is stopped #NoJusticeNoPeace#BlackOutHollywoodpic.twitter.com/6Ivp2eZ9ym

— Ms. Anonymous (@TheEgoWhisperer) December 6, 2014

Protestors laying down on hollywood blvd & highland. Thousands are demonstrating. @KTLA@KTLAMorningNewspic.twitter.com/wXQFlSctLl

— mark mester (@mester_mark) December 6, 2014

Hey @LAPDHQ and this flawed justice system!!! We are fired up and can't take it anymore... Hollywood is #SHUTDOWNpic.twitter.com/JavPg9z8xw

— N.T. (@NIKKI_T) December 6, 2014

In solidarity with Ferguson over Mike Brown, NYC over Eric Garner, and black people across America over systemic police abuse, protestors in Houston disrupted a major intersection and then conducted a mass die-in the largest mall in the city.


"@SassyE: #ShutItDown#Houstonpic.twitter.com/4ZC6PzlDHg"#justiceforEricGarner#ICantBreathe

— 〽️Booty Whisperer〽️ (@EliteCb22) December 6, 2014


Thousands are demonstrating in Hollywood in a rally against police violence. The activists are marching on Hollywood Boulevard to Highland Avenue.


Hollywood protest https://t.co/VRHzMGpupS

— Laurie Perez (@LauriePerez) December 6, 2014

Hollywood protest on street https://t.co/exT1lE9ncW

— Laurie Perez (@LauriePerez) December 6, 2014

Ten arrests of protesters at the FDR.

At least 10 arrests tonight in NYC from what I witnessed. Most happened at the FDR after protesters stopped traffic pic.twitter.com/i6rOEy8j6b

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

Other protesters blocked Houston Street on the Lower East Side, a major thoroughfare of the New York City.

Hands locked again heading east on Houston street #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/HvhIGJIBX2

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

And linked arms on 2nd Avenue and 14th Street in New York City to stop traffic.

Stopped in the intersection arms locked 14 street and 2 Ave #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/vaSGC9Ksx0

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

One of the protesters arrested by the New York police waiting to be put in the prisoner van.

One of the protesters stopped arrested for jumping out on the FDR waiting to be taken into the prisoner van... https://t.co/PpRr87RGvO

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

Protesters in New York City, despite pouring rain, blocked the FDR highway again.

Protesters made their way around police and ran onto the FDR #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/JNxxckYHYi

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

BREAKING: protesters have shut the FDR down near Delancey street police making arrests #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/hfDCvbKbgk

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

NYPD then open the highway again.

Police clearing the FDR which has now reopened #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/Gu9UvqHN4B

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 6, 2014

A huge "die-in" is being staged at Harvard University.

Right in the Square. RT @Jayron26: Massive die-in at #Harvard. It's not a game in #Boston. #ICantBreathe#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/i9MYs1HYtR

— Daniel Drezner (@dandrezner) December 6, 2014

Cambridge officials say at least 600 protesters are now making their way to Harvard Square http://t.co/BoEtxcfgZ1pic.twitter.com/8109qHupae

— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) December 6, 2014

Students are also marching in Kansas City.

Kansas City protest by @UMKansasCity students NOW: #ICantBreathe#dontshoot#kc2ferguson#kc2nychttps://t.co/5QMlO9xq69 via @luzoanahi

— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) December 5, 2014

Here's a photo from the "die-in" staged at the Macy's in NYC's Herald Square.

Macy's. Shut. Down. #ThisStopsToday#JusticeForEricGarner

Meanwhile, large demonstrations are taking place in Miami, where people have shut down traffic on an interstate highway.

#Miami waited for right time to protest #EricGarner#Ferguson2Miami during #ArtBasel The World is Here! #miamiprotestpic.twitter.com/WLTXEJ5tsL

— LAC (@HumanitarianGal) December 6, 2014

#ICantBreathe and #EricGarner protesters have caused this grid lock in #Miami#Fergusonpic.twitter.com/7bgeZUqcfF

— Joshua Scott Albert (@jpegjoshua) December 6, 2014

All lanes shut down on East/Westbound I-195 by #Ferguson2Miami#BlackLivesMatter protest disrupting #ArtBasel. pic.twitter.com/9pxf7x6GOo

— ✨Eddie✨ (@L_EdwinSaar) December 6, 2014

Despite the rain, small protests have broken out in multiple spots in New York City, including the Apple Store, Macy's in Herald Square, Grand Central, and Bryant Park.

Protesters also passed out a list of demands. They are calling on the NYPD to fire Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who performed the chokehold on Garner, and for a special prosecutor to be appointed to investigate the incident, among other things.

Protesters handed out these demands tonight. #BlackLivesMatter#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/lMT9xdCQB2

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) December 6, 2014

Chuck Helms, 67, wants "my fellow white people to know all people are important." #EricGarner#ProtestingBecausepic.twitter.com/wQLBVoZxfk

— Ray Sanchez (@RaySanchezNYC) December 5, 2014

Die-In for #EricGarner#MikeBrown#ICantBreathe#BlackLivesMatter#AkaiGurley inside Apple Store #NYC right NOW pic.twitter.com/ObZUdB3XIc

— #GovernThis (@Anon_Online) December 5, 2014

05 December 2014

Over 200 people were arrested at several splinter protests throughout NYC Thursday night, reports ABC. Protesters were cited for disorderly conduct or refusal to clear the streets, police told the broadcaster.

NY Post reports that more 100 people were arrested in New York alone, by the time the protests wrapped up.

Not-so-ubiquitous pic of protester getting arrested in front of American flag. #EricGarner protests from Times Square pic.twitter.com/scCl2HH7gY

— Leif Reigstad (@LeifReigstad) December 5, 2014

RT's Marina Portnaya summarizes the situation, as protests continue deep into the New York night.


Despite the number of protesters falling to hundreds, instead of thousands, there is still a heavy police presence in New York.

Earlier: MT @anamsiddiq: Cops block path to Williamsburg Bridge. And a herd of cars wait... #EricGarner#Protestspic.twitter.com/XVS1lcnj3O"

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 5, 2014

Unfortunate irony MT“@Breaking911: NYPD cop rushed 2 hospital after he couldn't breathe #ICantBreathe#EricGarnerhttps://t.co/ssSZupXRdh

— marina portnaya (@portnayanyc) December 5, 2014

The CNN reporter in New York is tweeting pictures of more and more demonstrators being bundled onto buses, with all of them having their pictures taken, before they board the vehicles.

More loading on to the bus. Several protesters arrested. #ericgarnerhttps://t.co/d96eOyQrAQ

— Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) December 5, 2014

Demonstrators have gathered outside Fruitvale Station, the site of the shooting of Oscar Grant, another cause celebre for activists fighting against police brutality.

Oakland protesters chanting at closed gates at Fruitvale station #EricGarner#Fergusonhttps://t.co/WQ0S030owG

— Vivian Ho (@VivianHo) December 5, 2014

Dozens of arrested people in plastic handcuffs in front of the New York Police Department booth in Times Square.

"@MedinaMora: Dozens of people in handcuffs are being booked at NYPD booth in Times Square. #ericgarnerpic.twitter.com/n9XYRaCvw6"

— Viisha P. Souza (@PauahiSouza) December 5, 2014

A reporter for local Seattle station with an update from the Northwest.

A @SeattlePD Lt. Just told me the Seattle Protest appears to be done for the night, no arrests "very peaceful" he said #EricGarner

— Henry Rosoff (@HenryKIRO7) December 5, 2014

NYPD making arrests at West 51st Street and Eighth Avenue. So far seven arrested.

MASS ARRESTS NOW IN NYC: W 51 St & 8 Ave, #NYPD taking numerous #EricGarner protesters into custody http://t.co/l7jRCjQVlN

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 5, 2014

moment out the 1960s, can't believe it's real—“@scottheins: Times Sq. Many arrested... Tourists gawking. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/sIYnrf70Fw

— kevin lai (@kvnlai) December 5, 2014

Meanwhile, police are making multiple arrests in Dallas, Texas.

Police make several arrests at protest march in downtown Dallas @NBCDFWpic.twitter.com/KZuNnchaDV

— Johnny Archer (@ArcherNBC5) December 5, 2014

A journalist describes being pepper sprayed by police.

Arrests continuing at Times Square, according to RT's Marina Portnaya.

2 protestors being restrained at #TimesSquare#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/Wbfm9dCEdP

— marina portnaya (@portnayanyc) December 5, 2014

Numerous arrests are being reported in Times Square. According to the local NBC affiliate, 28 arrests have been made in Manhattan.

Cops charging the crowd and making more arrests, they're attempting to smash this march #ericgarner#icantbreathepic.twitter.com/Abt3IFNyEu

— Shay Horse (@HuntedHorse) December 5, 2014

#NYPD used ambulances for kettling to effect arrests in Times Square. Way to make amends with the community. #ICantBreath

— @MandaGator (@MandaGator) December 5, 2014

DEVELOPING: 28 arrests so far in Manhattan in #EricGarner protests, law enforcement official says http://t.co/oRJCQrOitv

— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) December 5, 2014

Photos from Herald Square.

Massive die-in at Herald Square as protesters hold moment of silence for #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/TuV1tLhqUo

— ANIMALNewYork (@ANIMALNewYork) December 5, 2014

Protesters have gathered in Times Square, where they have staged a "die-in," and Herald Square, where people are sitting in the streets.

Hello Obama its happening NYC TIMES SQUARE NOW: #ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/uV2s6dXGcp

— Abu YouheR (@obinoavey) December 5, 2014

die-in at times square #ICantBreathe#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/hKqQRywkqZ

— Paul Ambas (@paulambas) December 5, 2014

Thousands of protesters have arrived in Herald Square near Macy's and are disrupting traffic.

Protesters reach Herald Square and block intersection at 34th Street and Broadway. pic.twitter.com/rTBf3MOjby

— ANIMALNewYork (@ANIMALNewYork) December 5, 2014

The Staten Island Ferry has been suspended in both directions, the New York Times reported.

Organized chant repeated by marchers to coord movement. A call to gather numbers at Staten Island ferry #nycprotestpic.twitter.com/ZCE6XuxoFF

— Chris Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) December 5, 2014

Here's a snapshot of the traffic situation in New York City tonight.

#NYC protesters success in shutting down city #ICantBreathe#nypd#brooklynbridge#hollandtunnelpic.twitter.com/oHrPneAqud

— Jeff Pinette (@DPending) December 5, 2014

Photos from various scenes in New York, from the FDR to the Staten Island Ferry.

Marches join at FDR #HandsUpDontShoot#ThisStopsTodaypic.twitter.com/txRcsY7p1f

— Ralphie Numbers (@CyMadD0x) December 5, 2014

Thousands at #StatenIslandFerry. #StatenIsland is where #EricGarner lived and died. #nyprotests#NYPDpic.twitter.com/TXwgUGY5b6

— NYCLU (@NYCLU) December 5, 2014

And in Chicago, protesters shutdown parts of downtown.

RT @Suntimes: LIVE BLOG: #ericgarner protesters swarm downtown Chicago, block Lake Shore Drive http://t.co/MHz7HvPV7lpic.twitter.com/vxR0wc1VTA

— Craig Newman (@craignewman) December 5, 2014

"No Justice, No Peace, No Racist Police!" chant protesters marching near Union Square in New York.

"No justice, no peace." #ericgarner#nychttps://t.co/6yhHFeECfL

— Jordan Mammo (@jordanmammo) December 5, 2014

Protesters chanting "Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Shut the Whole System Down!"

Protests right outside class. #EricGarner#NYUhttps://t.co/BlbIa6KfKN

— Saad (@5aad) December 5, 2014

Large group of protesters just arrived at Union Square, New York City.

At least three groups of several hundred protesters just collided at Union Square. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/2zHB6OugtW

— Anam Siddiq (@anamsiddiq) December 5, 2014

For almost 20 years in #NYC I've marched... for #AbnerLouima#SeanBell + I've never seen anything like the protests for #EricGarner

— JessieNYC (@JessieNYC) December 5, 2014

Three big marches underway in New York - Brooklyn, Union Square and Staten Island Ferry. Some protesters now leaving the Staten Island Ferry, and hearing uptown.

Protestors leave the Staten Island Ferry terminal and march north up Whitehall #blacklivesmatterpic.twitter.com/5QHh9aXU0h

— newyorkist (@Newyorkist) December 5, 2014

Thousands are gathering at the Staten Island Ferry, in lower Manhattan.

Thousands are outside the Manhattan Staten Island Ferry station for #EricGarnerhttp://t.co/kwN3XlA7Ifpic.twitter.com/pcAcKJgmMm

— Patrick deHahn (@patrickdehahn) December 5, 2014

Queens Expressway ramp to Manhattan Bridge, all lanes blocked.

W/B I-278/Brooklyn Queens Expressway ramp to Manhattan Bridge, all lanes blocked. NYPD

— GridlockSam Schwartz (@GridlockSam) December 5, 2014

One arrest on the West Side Highway.

They arrested @Awkward_Duck and wouldn't take me. A black cop stood in front of me and said "Not you sis". https://t.co/9SuZHJ7pN1

— Tyrone Allah (@FeministaJones) December 5, 2014

Watch Alexey Yaroshevsky's latest report from New York:

Washington, DC protesters gather at city hall.

#DCFerguson crowd landed at the DC Mayor's building #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/L68vJxlXfG

— Paulina Leonovich (@Polly_evro) December 5, 2014

The scene as one march nears Union Square.

Protesters #ShutItDown on 14th, chanting, "I can't breathe." Now marching to Union Square. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/irx4Pu0Gtd

— Tina Essmaker (@tinaessmaker) December 5, 2014

Boston protesters in solidarity for Eric Garner joining protests in New York City, DC, and Balitmore.

Biggest protest I've ever seen in #Boston#BlackLivesMatter#ICantBreathe#BlackLivesMatterBoston#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/tsVDTrrUWI

— Eli Gerzon (@eligerzon) December 5, 2014

The entrance to Holland Tunnel has been blocked by protesters.

Better shot #HollandTunnel shutdown as demonstrators march #EricGarnerDecisionpic.twitter.com/ZfH4I1pOA0

— Dan Bowens (@danbowensfox5) December 5, 2014

#EricGarner protestors blocking entrance to Holland Tunnel. Heading into tunnel now pic.twitter.com/arUCr10aCP

— Annie Wu (@annieeenyc) December 5, 2014

In other cities, protesters rally outside the Washington, D.C. Superior Court.

This is just part of the large and growing crowd at DC Police HQ for #MikeBrown#EricGarner#ICantBreathe#DCFergusonpic.twitter.com/hhvnepMdXG

— ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) December 5, 2014

Protesters march through the streets in Chicago.

#EricGarner protesters continue to move through #Chicago streets https://t.co/y3yBG9xvu1

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) December 5, 2014

A van crew stuck in halted traffic are supportive of the protest.

Many drivers, stuck in traffic, joining the protest #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/VstjVtnGJr

— Sarah Knuckey (@SarahKnuckey) December 5, 2014

Police reportedly used pepper spray against the first wave of demonstrators and detained multiple people near the West Side Highway, according to protesters on the ground. When threatened with arrest, however, the rest of the crowd pushed through the police line and began marching through the highway.

ARRESTS: west side highway. Massive police presence. #EricGarner#ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/AL4LRCBRa3

— Jeff Rae (@jeffrae) December 5, 2014

West side highway. #ShutItDownpic.twitter.com/qPGuaIEl1z

— Phil Aroneanu (@philaroneanu) December 5, 2014

Police have warned protesters near West Side Highway that they are subject to arrest if they do not disperse. Crowd responds, "You serve us!" Protesters moved into the police line despite warnings.

Protesters now shutting down Broadway and Canal Street.

Broadway and Canal street right now completely shut down by protestors. pic.twitter.com/VHHWv1mLvI

— PzFeed Top News (@PzFeed) December 5, 2014

Columbia University students stage a "die-in" at the tree lighting ceremony

RT @Andres_P_A | #EricGarner protest now at #ColumbiaUniversity#NewYork at the tree lighting ceremony pic.twitter.com/h9HmoEvT0l#ICantBreathe

— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) December 5, 2014

Brooklyn Bridge shut down. Downtown West Side Highway shut down. Crowd heading to FDR, and others going to the Holland Tunnel. FDR ramp to Brooklyn Bridge is close. NYPD calling for arrest teams.

FDR ramp to Brooklyn Bridge now closed. Avoid FDR. Get out of Manhattan North of Williamsburg Bridge

— GridlockSam Schwartz (@GridlockSam) December 5, 2014

Families of those killed by police are marching across the Brooklyn Bridge.

#EricGarner protesters are marching over Brooklyn Bridge with families whose children were killed by #NYPDpic.twitter.com/0tbDNYi6es

— Stephanie Keith (@Steffikeith) December 5, 2014

Protesters also marching in Indianapolis.

Protesters now headed to statehouse. #EricGarner#IndyCantBreathehttps://t.co/KCMVYXiinh

— MichaelAnthonyAdams (@MichaelAdams317) December 4, 2014

Traffic has been shut down on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Traffic is shut in both directions on the Brooklyn Bride. Protesters shout: "Whose bridge? Our bridge!" pic.twitter.com/hQxv47YuYg

— David Mack (@davidmackau) December 4, 2014

All traffic on Brooklyn bridge shut down as hundreds of #EricGarner protesters head east pic.twitter.com/aDhAsEE0dt

— David Mack (@davidmackau) December 4, 2014

Protest moves towards Brooklyn Bridge. Endless crowd, looks to be at least 10 thousand people #EricGarner

A video posted by Alexey Yaroshevsky (@yaro_rt) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:04pm PST

There are approximately 10,000 demonstrators out in NYC heading to the Brooklyn Bridge and disrupting traffic.

NYC: NYPD advising about 10,000 Protesters are heading towards the Brooklyn Bridge All lanes on complete shutdown.

— NY Scanner (@NYScanner) December 4, 2014

Protesters have begun streaming onto the Brooklyn Bridge.

NYC: The Brooklyn Bridge has been shut down due to a large protest. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/azHP2xZ5fC

— NY Scanner (@NYScanner) December 4, 2014

And we take the Brooklyn Bridge. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/FNvmXx8cTK

— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) December 4, 2014

Protesters have disrupted traffic on the West Side Highway

04 December 2014

Some protesters are carrying coffins through the streets with the names of police victims etched onto them.

Black coffins being carried for black lives lost. #BlackLivesMatter#ThisStopsToday#JusticeForEricGarner#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/GiPDIt6LtC

— Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) December 4, 2014

Marchers carrying coffins to bk bridge. #ThisStopsToday@NYCLUpic.twitter.com/etrln2PBuc

— Johanna Miller (@JohannaWithAnH) December 4, 2014

Incoming reports suggest the protesters are starting to leave Foley Square and heading west, potentially towards the West Side Highway, which was shut down last night.

The march has left Foley Square, headed west #BlackLivesMatter#ThisStopsToday#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/ASt9wKNrXI

— Claire Ward (@thementalward) December 4, 2014

Some more pics of the seen at Foley Square

#FoleySquare has overflowed onto Lafayette Street, crowd chanting "#BlackLivesMatter" @ABC7NYpic.twitter.com/eEpk6fCfTx

— Josh Einiger (@JoshEiniger7) December 4, 2014

Diverse, young, passionate crowd of thousands at Foley square demanding justice... pic.twitter.com/mepTamq1Qk

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) December 4, 2014

There are more than 7,000 protesters out at Foley Square, according to Breaking911.

#FoleySquare Crowd Overflows Into Streets As Crowd Grows To 7,500+ http://t.co/WIKbLOzvO2pic.twitter.com/3Kj4N2ddmg

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2014

Earlier today, former Secretary State and Presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton said the criminal justice system is "out of balance," expressing her support for federal investigations into the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

"We have allowed our criminal justice system to get out of balance," she said. "And I personally hope that these tragedies give us the opportunity to come together as a nation to find our balance again."

Protesters shut down Washington, DC's I-395 by obstructing intersections.

Traffic on I395 highway on a full stop as #DCFerguson keep blocking the intersection #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/RyAYxT0fec

— Paulina Leonovich (@Polly_evro) December 4, 2014

Helicopters can be heard hovering over protesters in Foley Sqyare. There are five in the air as the NYPD reportedly assembles officers near the protest and the Brooklyn Bridge.

NYPD estimates approx 4,000 protesters have gathered right now in NYC's Foley Square! #EricGarner#BlackLivesMatterpic.twitter.com/c9Yi9xqMxa

— αηιs (@H0XH4) December 4, 2014

People chanting at NYC's Foley Square.

Foley Square Protest

A video posted by michaelrudzena (@michaelrudzena) on Dec 12, 2014 at 3:22pm PST

The scene in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/lASq4Y6xF2

— Rachel Cohen (@rmc031) December 4, 2014

Washington protesters shutting down streets.


#DCFerguson blocking D street #EricGarner#CancelChristmaspic.twitter.com/Dj2Sum0J7G

— Paulina Leonovich (@Polly_evro) December 4, 2014

Approximately 4,000 people are protesting the Garner decision at Foley Square in New York right now, according to police estimates.

LIVE UPDATES: Police Now Estimate 4,000 Demonstrators At #FoleySquare -#EricGarner - http://t.co/WIKbLOzvO2pic.twitter.com/ug5xlQyTov

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2014

Photo: Thousands of protesters chant #ICantBreathe at New York City's #FoleySquare (Via @marcellehopkins) #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/6d38p2HxNP

— Andrew Peng (@TheAPJournalist) December 4, 2014

Protesters already starting to rally in Baltimore, Minneapolis, New York City and Washington, D.C., for another night of protests over that lack of indictment in the chokehold death of Eric Garner.

First protesters of the night, arriving from over the Brooklyn bridge #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/0r26IEvKX7

— Jada Yuan (@jadabird) December 4, 2014

Wash DC #EricGarner#BlackLivesMatter protest headed to the White House | P/V @charissalaisy#Ferguson#ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/2BnfUW9d6q

— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) December 4, 2014

30 sec of 35W in Minneapolis shut down by protest http://t.co/WnpDxHeW4G#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/P92slao9c1

— FOX 9 News (@MyFOX9) December 4, 2014

Baltimore gathers at Mckeldin Square for #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/s5vTtdU9cO

— Rachel Cohen (@rmc031) December 4, 2014

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city’s police force will undergo a “full retraining” in the wake of the grand jury’s decision not to indict the officer who killed Eric Garner.

From New York Police Department headquarters, de Blasio said the plan will change how officers interact with civilians and aim to slow down “interactions that sometimes escalate too quickly” and teach cops to use “less force whenever possible.”

There is “a fear” of police among the youth and their parents, and that is “a history we have to overcome,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Some just don’t feel safe around police, and that’s “the reality,” de Blasio added.

He also stressed that he’d had to teach his African-American son Dante how to face encounters with law enforcement.

Unmarked police car torched right on the 77th precinct doorstep in Crown Heights pic.twitter.com/nEWKsWlLhK

— Andy Campbell (@AndyBCampbell) December 4, 2014

Another photo of Brooklyn Bridge arrests. pic.twitter.com/ruFI45yJm9

— John Asbury (@johnasbury) December 4, 2014

Police pushing #EricGarner protesters off the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/UwZ5hwfLyy

— David Mack (@davidmackau) December 4, 2014


Protesters arrive in Harlem, walking down 125th Street.

Welcome to Harlem. 125th Street. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/OIDio14gc5

— Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) December 4, 2014

Protesters head north towards Harlem along Amsterdam Avenue chanting.

View from above: protesters move north on Amsterdam Ave #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/07MIXEcErA

— Casey Tolan (@caseytolan) December 4, 2014

New York protesters are now trying to shut down Lincoln Tunnel with a "sit in."

DEVELOPING: Lincoln Tunnel Shut Down Due To Protesters -#EricGarner - http://t.co/7xDKl9Yrtcpic.twitter.com/JCVG1Sh6p8

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2014

Small group of Washington, DC protesters has blocked 3rd Street tunnel.

Video: Chain of protesters currently blocking DC's 3rd St. tunnel. Via our reporter: #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/KPhb9w2vYW

— News2Share (@news_2_share) December 4, 2014

BREAKING: protesters in #DC have blocked the 3rd street tunnel #EricGarner@news_2_sharepic.twitter.com/WXEbpImM3h

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) December 4, 2014

Protesters partially shut down Lincoln Tunnel in New York City.

DEVELOPING: #EricGarner protests shut down one tube in Lincoln Tunnel http://t.co/TTwxeLbkR5

— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) December 4, 2014

Protestors not leaving Lincoln Tunnel. "If you're a good cop! Step into the crowd!" The chant continues. pic.twitter.com/Yj8Y1zSuny

— Frank Pallotta (@frankpallotta) December 4, 2014

The police car that was set alight outside the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn. Not confirmed whether it was related to the Eric Garner protests.

PHOTOS: Car Set On Fire In Brooklyn -#EricGarner - http://t.co/7xDKl9Yrtcpic.twitter.com/90l8Nw5FtH

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 4, 2014

Police with the Disorder Control Unit arrive at Grand Central Station where protesters were staging their "die in."

NYPD Disorder Control Unit arrives at Grand Central Station amid #EricGarner demonstration there - @hunterwpic.twitter.com/FqH0rxHxnZ

— TheBlazeNOW (@TheBlazeNOW) December 4, 2014

Protesters in NYC flood Grand Central Station. 7th ave, 1,2,3 lines shut down #EricGarner#ICantBreathepic.twitter.com/D5MWXpHO8T

— Mariana_Atencio (@marianaatencio) December 4, 2014

Ralliers in Pittsburgh, Pa. stage "die-in," chant "We won't stop, jail killer cops!"

Protesters rally in #Pittsburgh Wednesday, shouting #Shutitdown for #EricGarner and others: http://t.co/AFLNCGapOypic.twitter.com/jfCO5M3Jt7

— Madasyn Czebiniak (@PG_Czebiniak) December 4, 2014

Protesters gather in a circle for a moment of silence for Eric Garner, then stage a 'die-in" and shut down market Market Street, a main artery in downtown San Francisco. The shut down has been for an hour so far.

Moment of silence in the circle for #EricGarner#SFhttps://t.co/aSU1U3kXNd

— Kate Conger (@kateconger) December 4, 2014

Die-in for #EricGarner now in the middle of Market Street in SF. Street has been shut down for 1 hour. pic.twitter.com/qbluV7hyBy

— Kate Conger (@kateconger) December 4, 2014

New York protesters march on Times Square.

#EricGarner protesters march through Times Square pic.twitter.com/JsqJR0cEbB

— greg jeske (@gregjeske) December 4, 2014

About 30 protesters have been arrested in New York, according to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton.

NYPD Commissioner, Bill Bratton, says about 30 protesters have been arrested in NYC by 10pm EST. Predicts more to come #EricGarner

— marina portnaya (@portnayanyc) December 4, 2014

Protesters near Rockefeller continue to be blocked from the Christmas tree, but hundreds are still out amongs a heavy police presence.

Cop: If people keep up protest, no one will see Xmas tree lighting. Woman yells back "What about Eric Garner's 6 children?" #NYC#EricGarner

— Jordan Mammo (@jordanmammo) December 4, 2014

Protester near Rockefeller holding "Equal Justice Under the Law," showing it to cops as they pass #EricGarner#NYCpic.twitter.com/MAwmCCpn5I

— Jordan Mammo (@jordanmammo) December 4, 2014

More demonstrators have taken to Grand Central Station to continue protesting.

Grand Central #EricGarner@PIX11Newspic.twitter.com/uevILPRW6H

— Pamela Ng (@ng_pamela) December 4, 2014

Incoming reports suggest a police vehicle has been set on fire in Brooklyn. It's unclear if this is related to the ongoing protests.

BREAKING: NYPD representative for 77th precinct confirms to me that police vehicle was set on fire tonight.

— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) December 4, 2014

UPDATE: Reports #NYPD vehicle set #ablaze amid #protests over #EricGarner slaying by police - @Ruptly confirming, sourcing footage

— Ruptly Newsroom (@RuptlyNewsroom) December 4, 2014

One woman got out of her car to show her support when protests shut down the road.

Woman stuck in traffic, standing in solidarity. #NYC#EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/HIPO2xpp2f

— TheAnonMessage (@TheAnonMessage) December 4, 2014

Protesters in New York are reportedly heading to the FDR highway, hoping to shut it down.

Protesters headed to FDR it seems, but they're not sure which street to take. Some shouting: "Grand Central! Shut it down!"

— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) December 4, 2014

#EricGarner about 1k protestors join 500 who were being kettled on FDR, NYPD can no longer handle them pic.twitter.com/4oVuXq15Wt

— Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) December 4, 2014

As more people come out of work on the West Coast they are holding rallies to protest the lack of indictment in the Eric Garner case. A group in Seattle chanting "no justice, no peace."

#westlakepark#Seattle chanting 'no justice no peace' during #EricGarner protest #ICantBreathe | pic @mattmillsphotopic.twitter.com/93lqgnAnDi

— Revolution News (@NewsRevo) December 4, 2014

Protesters stage a "die-in" on the West Side Highway in New York City.

Die-In on the West Side Highway, NY. pic.twitter.com/Oux4DPo2F3

— Dalton Deschain (@daltondeschain) December 4, 2014

Protesters shut down part of the West Side Highway in #NYC. #EricGarner#ICantBreathe photo: @CBSNewYorkpic.twitter.com/prjQTOy67i

— ѕyndιcalιѕт (@syndicalisms) December 4, 2014

In New York City protesters have flooded the West Side Highway shutting it down, and are walking between stopped cars, with car horns honking.

#EricGarner. West Side Highway. pic.twitter.com/Gr3gG6Fyvv

— Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) December 4, 2014

PHOTOS: Protesters now running up the West Side Highway #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/rQQFXHdx5L

— Dan Linden (@DanLinden) December 4, 2014

New York and Washington seeing largest protests.

Protesters are rallying in Oakland against the lack of indictment in the Eric Garner chokehold death. Banners printed in black type read FERGUSON IS EVERYWHERE and Eric Garner to Mike Brown -This has got to Stop.

Police line has stopped protestors before 7th st on Broadway #Oakland. Most turn around @ajplus#ericgarnerpic.twitter.com/PYB1boQIiL

— Shadi Rahimi (@shadirahimi) December 4, 2014

Protesters have reportedly tried to shut down Manhattan's West Side highway.

MT @DanLinden: NYPD officers have blocked off protesters trying to walk down Manhattan's West Side Highway pic.twitter.com/7hMZzMDnbM

— Michael Rusch (@weeddude) December 4, 2014

Referring to protesters, Gwen Carr urged them to remain peaceful.

"We need peace. We want you to rally, but we want peace. Do what you have to, but do it in peace."

Esaw Garner, Eric Garner’s widow, said she is not giving up in her fight to get justice for her husband.

"I am determined to get justice for my husband because he shouldn't have been killed in that way,” she said. “My husband’s death will not be in vain. As long as I have breathe in my body I will fight the fight.”

Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, added that she is happy the federal government is investigating the incident, but that the grand jury decision makes people more skeptical of the justice system.

“I am truly disappointed with the grand jury’s decision this evening. I don’t know what video they were looking at,” she said.

"We have no confidence in local state prosecutions, because state prosecutors work hand in hand with the local police," said the Rev. Al Sharpton. Sharpton says families of Eric Garner and Michael Brown do not want violent protests.

Rev. Al Sharpton, standing with the Garner family at a press conference, announced an anti-police brutality national march in Washington, DC on December 13. The announcement was made at the National Action Network headquarters in Harlem.

oh boy RT @JimDalrympleII: Sharpton is announcing a national march in Washington DC on Dec. 13. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/oQDVubbMnx

— Robert Caruso (@robertcaruso) December 4, 2014

#EricGerner protesters die in Columbus Circle with no #NYPD in site save helicopter above shining spot light pic.twitter.com/fyobGwW9Iy

— greg jeske (@gregjeske) December 4, 2014

Reports are starting to come in that the NYPD has started making arrests. According to the Wall Street Journal, 16 people have been arrested so far.

NYPD: 16 arrests so far related to #EricGarner protests, all near Rockefeller Center, attempted to breach barriers. http://t.co/5OFFUc1C1B

— Pervaiz Shallwani (@Pervaizistan) December 4, 2014

NYPD making Brutal Arrests At 47th and 6th Ave. #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/qqNrjfQQnL

— Lnonblonde (@Lnonblonde) December 4, 2014

NYPD brings in 5 arrest buses to Union Square anticipating a high amount of arrests tonight. pic.twitter.com/KVC7Y9I6Mz

— White Priv Revoked (@DefendWallSt) December 3, 2014

Demonstrators are making their way through Rockefeller Center, chanting, "I can't breathe."

Protestors: "I can't breathe" At Rockefeller Center March west #EricGarnerhttps://t.co/1lMMmDZ5Xc

— Aliza Nadi NBC (@alizanadi) December 4, 2014

Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Justice Department will conduct a federal civil rights investigation into Garner's death. Prosecutors will conduct an independent, thorough, and fair investigation, he said, including a "complete review" of material gathered during the local investigation.

Holder called on protesters to shy away from violence.

"I urge all those inclined to demonstrate tonight and in the days ahead to remain peaceful,” he said.

Demonstrators shut down 15th Street in DC, near White House https://t.co/aIlN6na9Sw

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) December 3, 2014

Getting set for a live report on @RT_com in a very loud environment #NYC #EricGarner

En video slået op af Alexey Yaroshevsky (@yaro_rt) den Dec 12, 2014 at 3:54 PST

03 December 2014

The US Justice Department will announce Wednesday that it is opening a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Eric Garner, who was killed by a chokehold at the hands of police.

Protesters shut down Madison Ave #EricGarnerpic.twitter.com/JbDxZ4sW1p

— greg jeske (@gregjeske) December 3, 2014

“It’s a very emotional day for our city,” said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking to the public after the decision was made. He said Garner is “a man who should be with us, and now isn’t.”

“No family should have to go through what the Garner family went through.”

The mayor went on to say that the decision puts in stark perspective the relationship between police departments and the community.

“We’re not just dealing with a problem in 2014… We are dealing with centuries of racism that brought us to this day,” de Blasio said. “That is how profound the crisis is.”

President Obama briefly commented on the Garner case, saying it continues to highlight the need for better relations between police and the communities they serve.

“We are not going to let up until we see a strengthening of the trust and a strengthening of the accountability that exists between our communities and our law enforcement.,” he said.

"I'm not interested in talk, I'm interested in action and I am absolutely committed as president of the United States to making sure that we have a country in which everybody believes in the core principle that we are equal under the law."

A New York City grand jury has decided not to indict the New York Police Department officer accused of killing the 43-year-old unarmed Eric Garner by putting him in a prohibited chokehold. The NYPD is now preparing for more protests stemming from the decision. RT’s Ameera David and Alexey Yaroshevsky have the latest details.