Moments after sources told NBC New York that a grand jury has declined to indict an NYPD officer in the death of Eric Garner, people posted their reactions on social media.
Within an hour, Eric Garner's name was the top trending term in Twitter in the U.S. and among the top 10 trending terms worldwide.
Chris Rock tweeted "This one was on film" with a link to an image of a widely watched amateur video showing NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo wrapping his arm around Garner's neck as the 43-year-old yelled, "I can't breathe!"
Garner had been stopped by police on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
New York Assemblyman Matthew J. Titone, who represents Staten Island, tweeted: "Right now we must keep Mr Garners family in our hearts & prayers and to remember their calls for calm & peace."
More reaction on social media:
This one was on film. http://t.co/Zm7DKL09ok
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) December 3, 2014
U.S. & World
Right now we must keep Mr Garners family in our hearts & prayers and to remember their calls for calm & peace.
— Matthew J. Titone (@MatthewTitone) December 3, 2014
Shocking grand jury decision in Eric Garner case, I'll be calling on @TheJusticeDept to investigate. I urge protests to remain peaceful.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 3, 2014
The Justice Department must launch a Federal investigation into Eric Garner’s death as soon as possible. -cs
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 3, 2014
The #NYPD is committed to rebuilding public trust. #Wehearyou
— Chief Joanne Jaffe (@NYPDCommAffairs) December 3, 2014
Reminded again: we've come a long, long way from how we got here, but we have a long way to go. #EricGarner #MikeBrown #trayvonmartin
— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) December 3, 2014
I'm ashamed. Mostly because I'm no longer shocked at things now-a-days. Nothing is shocking. #EricGarner
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) December 3, 2014
The world won't get no better if we just let it be... We have to change it you and me.
— RZA! (@RZA) December 3, 2014
Outrageous! #EricGarner
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) December 3, 2014
Everybody who watched that video knows that police officer was overly aggressive smh #EricGarner
— Everett Dawkins (@TheUnderDog_79) December 3, 2014
I was afraid for my kids' future before... but now I'm even more afraid!
— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) December 3, 2014
Today, justice for #EricGarner was denied. pic.twitter.com/udmqK2p3v1
— Debi Rose (@CMDebiRose) December 3, 2014
A photo posted by SHORTY (@sheltonjlee) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:56pm PST