NYC Police Union Says Chokehold was Not Used on Eric Garner

President of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association said that when Eric Garner died while being arrested by the NYPD, it was not because officers used an illegal chokehold.

Lynch went on to say that he and the union would prove that the cause of death was not a chokehold, despite what the medical examiner, Mayor De Blasio, and Police Commissioner Bratton said.

"We will defend these police officers," Lynch said at a press conference Tuesday. "This was not a chokehold. We will get medical examiners to go over the autopsy when it is finally released."

Lynch said what happened was simply procedure and responding officers were doing what they were trained to do.

"This was a large man who was resisting arrest. He had to be brought to the ground the way we were trained. It's the safest place- put them on the ground and place them under arrest."

Staten Island police attempted to arrest Garner on July 18 for selling untaxed, single cigarettes. The arrest was caught on camera, which depicted an officer using what appeared to be a chokehold on the man after he resisted arrest and argued with officers. Garner said multiple times that he couldn't breathe.

A press release from the office of the medical examiner was released last week, officially ruling Garner's death a homicide, stating the cause of death as a chokehold. Lynch criticized this report, calling it extremely political and not backed up by scientific fact.

"We've spoken with experts that have never seen it released the way it was, without the medical facts behind it, without the medical examiner's report, and in parentheses, 'chokehold.' That's not a medical term."

Lynch also criticized Mayor De Blasio for his lack of support for the NYPD in light of this incident.

"I think the mayor needs to support New York City police officers, unequivocally say it and unequivocally say resisting arrest hurts everyone, police officers and citizens alike, and it will not be tolerated."

Lynch said resisting arrest has become "fashionable" and "it needs to stop."

De Blasio defended the medical examiners at a separate press conference Tuesday, calling them the "gold standard in this country" for medical science.

The PBA president also responded to anti-police comments made by the Reverend Al Sharpton, saying those comments were breeding discontent and mistrust of the police who are simply trying to help. Lynch called into question Rev. Sharpton's credibility and said he shouldn't be part of discussions surrounding the death.

"I do not believe he has credibility. I believe he has an opinion. And we will protect his right to give that opinion. But he doesn't have the right to make up facts."

Rev. Sharpton responded in a statement, saying "it is time to have a mature conversation" and bring an end to "immature name calling and childish attempts to scapegoat." He also renewed his call for a "fair and impartial federal investigation."

Although Lynch disagreed with Commissioner Bratton about the chokehold, he did agree that there should be more police training, saying there is no such thing as too much.