The Justice Department will launch a civil rights investigation into the chokehold death of Eric Garner, an Obama administration official confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
Earlier Wednesday, a grand jury in New York City opted not to indict officer Daniel Pantaleo in the killing of Garner, which was captured on video.
Attorney General Eric Holder will announce the investigation Wednesday evening.
The decision comes just days after a grand jury chose not to indict Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown. The Justice Department is already conducting a civil rights investigation of the Ferguson incident.
Addressing the matter Wednesday, President Obama said the killing of Garner was “not just a black problem,” but also an “American problem.”
Protesters began demonstrating in New York City immediately after the grand jury’s decision was announced, with crowds of people chanting, “I can’t breathe.” Garner was captured on video repeatedly telling police he was having trouble breathing.
