Videos: Eric Garner Chokehold Death Protest in Denver Leads to Four Arrests

The Ferguson-grand-jury-inspired walk-out at East High School, during which four Denver police officers were injured by an ill driver, wasn't the only significant protest in Denver yesterday. Last night, as many as 100 demonstrators marched in the wake of another controversial development: a New York grand jury's decision not to...

By Michael Roberts

December 4, 2014

Audio By Carbonatix

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The Ferguson-grand-jury-inspired walk-out at East High School, during which four Denver police officers were injured by an ill driver, wasn't the only significant protest in Denver yesterday. Last night, as many as 100 demonstrators marched in the wake of another controversial development: a New York grand jury's decision not to indict a police officer in the chokehold-death of Eric Garner. According to the Denver Police Department, four participants were arrested. Continue for photos, videos and more.

Here's the video of the Garner incident:

A protest of the decision was quickly scheduled by activists in Denver. The Facebook event page features this photo....

...and the following text:

Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00pm
Civic Center Park 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, Colorado 80204

Today, in spite of video evidence of the use of a chokehold that was banned 21 years ago, a Grand Jury in New York declined to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner.

Tonight, join us in peaceful protest at Civic Center park as we continue to let the country and the world know, Denver supports victims of police brutality around the country, and demands reform of a system that makes the killing of people of color by law enforcement legal.

Wear: WARM CLOTHING: Hats, Scarves, Gloves

Bring: Water and Snacks (some to share if you can)

Bring: A protest sign (cardboard is fine, some materials will be available

Bring: Emergency medications. If you use an inhaler, bring it. It will be cold tonight.

Bring: A friend!

According to 7News, the group began with a few dozen protesters but ultimately built to as many as one-hundred, with participants marching as far as Speer Boulevard -- and getting into traffic lanes along the way.

Here's one screen capture from a video shared by CipherNews....

...and another: The first tweet from the Denver Police Department about the rally is among its most polite ever when referring to such a demonstration. It reads:

ALERT: Citizens exercising their 1st Amendment Rights have taken to Speer Blvd. Please be cautious of pedestrians in the roadway. #Denver
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 4, 2014

However, busts definitely happened along the way, as these DPD tweets confirm:

UPDATE (1/2): 1A demonstration in downtown #Denver winding down. Four parties arrested; 3 for obstructing roadways, 1 for interference. #DPD
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 4, 2014

UPDATE (2/2): No injuries, no use of force. Any updates/additional info on event or on parties in custody will be provided tomorrow AM.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 4, 2014

No names of arrestees have been released thus far. Here are two videos from the protests, courtesy of CipherNews.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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