The makeshift memorial for the 43-year-old Staten Island man who died after a police officer held him in an illegal chokehold last year was charred in a fire on Monday, police say.
Police determined the fire that destroyed Eric Garner’s Staten Island, NY memorial was “not intentionally set.” Criminality, they say, is not suspected.
The fire occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Garner’s family, however, isn’t convinced the fire was a coincidence. Garner’s daughter, Erica, took to Twitter to express her frustration, suggesting the fire was a case of arson.
evil set my dads memoral on fire tonight .but cant erase his legacy. rebuild 2morrow #anonymousopfurguson #OpICantBreathe
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) January 20, 2015
Just was therea couple of hours ago.cops drove pass my grandpa when he arrived to see the damege #anonymousopferguson pic.twitter.com/5ycP96t9QW
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) January 20, 2015
lord forgive these evil ppl who burned down POPS memorial this is really sick my struggle still cont.#anonymouopfurguson #OpICantBreathe
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) January 20, 2015
first my father gave now his memorial burning it reminds me of crosses being burnt infront of mlk hse!!#anonymousopfurguson #OpICantBreathe
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) January 20, 2015
can we have investigation looking into this???who can be held accountable for this #OpICantBreathe
— officialERICA GARNER (@es_snipes) January 20, 2015
Garner’s family went to survey the damage, vowing to build it up despite what they believe was an attempt to tear it down.
Garner’s stepfather, Benjamin Carr, told NBC News he also thinks someone set the memorial on fire. Carr said the fire department responded to the memorial, which he vowed to rebuild.
“I’m going to rebuild it,” Carr said. “Every damn time they tear it down, I’m gonna put it back.”
The officer who held Garner in a chokehold that led to his death, NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo, avoided charges when a grand jury elected not to indict him late last year.
SOURCE: NBC, Twitter | VIDEO SOURCE: News Inc.