Former NYPD spokesman and detective Michael DeBonis admits “we killed Eric Garner,” in a lengthy new post on Instagram.
“In writing this post I’m fully aware that some of my cop friends may call me a traitor, a hypocrite or even unfollow me,” DeBonis wrote. “I’m ok with that because if you don’t agree with what I’m about to say then we definitely don’t see eye to eye when it comes to policing.”
DeBonis then says Garner's arrest “was legal, the initial forced [sic] used to stop him from resisting was fine, but in the end … WE PUNISHED HIM FOR RESISTING ARREST … WE WATCHED HIM DIE … WE DIDN’T EVEN SIT HIM UP AND RENDER HIM BASIC AID.”
He adds, “It was a horrible injustice that is forever a part of our history. … I’m a hypocrite for saying this now, because I didn’t say it publicly then, but WE ALL need to hold ourselves accountable.”
DeBonis ends his post by ensuring his followers know he stills supports the police: “The Police are NOT the enemy … One bad cop doesn’t define who we are or what we have done for this city … WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HELP THESE COMMUNITIES?”
Garner died on July 17, 2014, after being put in a chokehold by the NYPD.
[Via]