The grand jury that decided not to charge a police officer in the chokehold death of Eric Garner heard from 50 witnesses, a judge said Thursday.
Over nine weeks, the grand jury heard from 22 civilians, the judge said in a brief order. The remaining witnesses were police officers, emergency medical workers and doctors.
The grand jury also considered 60 exhibits, including four videos, records of police policies, medical information and photographs of the scene, the judge said.
The judge, Stephen Rooney of state court, disclosed the details in response to a prosecutor’s request that limited information be released. The prosecutor did not ask for the release of exhibits of testimony, the judge said. Grand jury proceedings are secret unless a judge orders otherwise.
Thousands of people protested on the New York streets on Wednesday night after the grand jury declined to indict the officer, Daniel Pantaleo. Garner repeatedly gasped “I can’t breathe!” as he was forced to the ground by police in July.
IN-DEPTH
- Daily News: Garner Witness Says Decision Wasn't Fair
- Civil Rights Leaders Say Grand Jury System Is Broken