Hollywood has turned to Twitter to react to a New York grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo over the July death of 43-year-old Eric Garner.
Garner, who was allegedly selling loose cigarettes, died during his arrest on July 17, 2014 after Officer Pantaleo put him in a chokehold to subdue him. The altercation was caught on video by Garner’s friend, Ramsey Orta.
The verdict, which was announced on Wednesday morning, set off a wave of protests in New York.
Thousands gathered in the streets of Times Square on Wednesday, as demonstrators chanted in unison “I Can’t Breathe,” which were Garner’s last words.
The news comes shortly after a Missouri grand jury chose not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of 19-year-old Michael Brown and sparked a strong reaction among Hollywood A-lister’s.
Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes shared her displeasure regarding the verdict and started the hashtag “#ICantBreathe” on Twitter:
How is this America? #ICantBreathe
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) December 4, 2014
2/2 “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” #EricGarner‘s final words, as trained public servants kill him.
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) December 3, 2014
This world just got so much scarier. RIP Eric Garner & God bless his family during this time of… http://t.co/Y9woQnQIRB
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) December 4, 2014
R.I.P #ericgarner #thisisnotright #icantbreath #unite http://t.co/PKWzHDXZW4
— Diddy (@iamdiddy) December 4, 2014
Somebody’s Eyes Are http://t.co/jhqFHBMPtJ LIVES MATTER. WE NEED THE FEDS FOR JUSTICE. These Grand Juries In… http://t.co/ZVPO3fhyUx
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) December 3, 2014
Cop cleared in chokehold death of Eric Garner via @NYPostTHIS IS TRULY DISGUSTING. AND MURDER. http://t.co/J9rT73Fdqc
— frank grillo (@FrankGrillo) December 3, 2014
I wouldn’t feel right posting anything else before saying my heart hurts today.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) December 3, 2014
I am stunned by the failure to indict Eric Garner’s killer.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 3, 2014
We watched him Die. Choked to Death. The world is watching we seek JUSTICE. He couldn’t breathe.Were breathing Fire. pic.twitter.com/DolTpkYAtM
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 4, 2014
Fruitvale Station..all to familiar
— Michael B Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) December 3, 2014
#ericgarner #icantbreathe#enoughisenough #wethepeopleARE FED UP http://t.co/SY6HtNP9He
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) December 3, 2014
How can a man accused of selling loose cigarettes be killed with a banned chokehold with no consequences? I can’t make it make sense.
— Tracie Thoms (@traciethoms) December 4, 2014
I’d just like to know what a cop WOULD have to do to get indicted – and what good are cop cameras since Eric Garner IS on tape?
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) December 4, 2014
TIL although selling loose cigarettes is a crime apparently choking a man to death is not #RIPEricGarner
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) December 3, 2014
RIP Eric Garner and condolences to his family. We must start holding the police accountable for their… http://t.co/fbU6a7qi0a
— Macklemore (@macklemore) December 3, 2014
Make sure you do something to let YOUR government know how you feel when something is unjust., not JUST your followers on twitter…
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014
How do “crazy” cops keep getting away with this?!? He murdered that man. Stop the madness. #EricGarner #ICantBreathe
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) December 4, 2014
Everyone has a voice… use it. Use your voice until you are heard and change occurs. Silence on… http://t.co/TTbVOXYxOZ
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 3, 2014
This one was on film. http://t.co/Zm7DKL09ok
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) December 3, 2014
Ok so we know the man who filmed #EricGarner is being punished & the man who KILLED HIM is not. New York better get ready to fucking quake.
— Penn Badgley (@PennBadgley) December 3, 2014
An individual or institution can’t kill Eric Garner in that fashion & not be held accountable. #ChokedWhilePoor New America’s not having it.
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) December 3, 2014
I have asthma. I can’t breathe. With the murder of #EricGarner, the country is putting itself (and all of us) in a chokehold of injustice.
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) December 3, 2014
Proud to be a New Yorker tonight. Congrats to #ICantBreathe protestors 4 their voices and @NYPDnews for protecting right of peaceful protest
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) December 4, 2014
If I could, I would be there laying in those streets of NYC, peacefully protesting. WE HAVE TO CHANGE. ALL LIVES MATTER #WeCantBreathe
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) December 4, 2014
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