Eric Garner’s Daughter on Her Father’s Death: ‘This Is Not a Black and White Issue’

Though many have alleged race played a critical role in the police-involved chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York City, Garner’s own daughter told CNN on Thursday that her father’s death “is not a black and white issue.”

(CNN)

Following a grand jury’s decision not to indict the officer who put the deadly chokehold on Garner on Wednesday, Lemon interviewed the man’s daughter, Erica, and asked her if racism contributed to the death.

“This is not a black and white issue,” she said. "This is a national crisis."

Even when pressed further for clarification, Erica Garner replied, “I really doubt it. It was about the officer’s pride. It was about my father being 6’4″ and 350 pounds and he wants to be the top cop that brings a big man down.”

Even so, Garner said she’ll never forget or forgive the officer for killing her dad during the altercation. She said she wants the officer to admit his actions were wrong.

Protests over Garner's death and non-indictment of the officer involved spread across the country on Thursday night, hitting cities like New York City, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Boston.

(H/T: Mediaite)