Protesters wear 'I can breathe' t-shirts at rally supporting New York police officers
Around 100 people gathered in central New York City and faced off against roughly 200 demonstrating against police brutality
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York residents came out onto the streets last night in support of the city’s police officers – and wearing t-shirt emblazoned with ‘I Can Breathe’.
The phrase is a misappropriation of the last gasps of Eric Garner, a 43-year-old black man who died after being placed in a chokehold by NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo.
CCTV footage showed the father-of-six repeatedly telling officers: “I can’t breathe.” The phrase has now been taken up by demonstrators and protest against police brutality across the US.
Roughly 100 people gathered outside New York’s City Hall in the controversial clothing.
They were faced by almost 200 individuals who are calling for justice for Mr Garner after a grand jury elected not to prosecute Officer Panteleo.
Many wore the t-shirts that have become synonymous with the nationally protest-movement.
The news comes just days after it emerged a women near Chicago has filed a trademark for “I can’t Breathe”. Catherine Crump, 57, claims she does not intend to use the copyright for commercial purposes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments