Officer’s Lawyer: He’ll Fight To Keep His Job

NEW YORK (AP) – A lawyer for the officer accused of using a chokehold in the death of Eric Garner says his client is disappointed an administrative judge recommended his firing.
But the lawyer says he remains “cautiously optimistic” the officer ultimately won’t be dismissed. Attorney Stuart London said Friday that Officer Daniel Pantaleo did nothing wrong and plans to keep fighting for his job. Pantaleo was suspended Friday pending a final decision by Police Commissioner James O’Neill. London and police union leader Patrick Lynch urged O’Neill to stand up for Pantaleo, saying officers otherwise won’t feel they can do their jobs without losing them. London says he’ll appeal to a court if Pantaleo is fired. Garner’s dying pleas of “I can’t breathe” in 2014 became a rallying cry against police brutality.