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“This is a deeply emotional day – for the Garner Family, and all New Yorkers. His death was a terrible tragedy that no family should have to endure. This is a subject that is never far from my family’s minds – or our hearts. And Eric Garner’s death put a spotlight on police-community relations and civil rights – some of most critical issues our nation faces today. “Today’s outcome is one that many in our city did not want. Yet New York City owns a proud and powerful tradition of expressing ourselves through non-violent protest. We trust that those unhappy with today’s grand jury decision will make their views known in the same peaceful, constructive way. We all agree that demonstrations and free speech are valuable contributions to debate, and that violence and disorder are not only wrong – but hurt the critically important goals we are trying to achieve together.“These goals – of bringing police and community closer together and changing the culture of law enforcement -- are why we have introduced so many reforms this year. It starts at the top with Commissioner Bratton - a strong, proven change agent. We have dramatically reduced the overuse and abuse of stop-and-frisk. We have initiated a comprehensive plan to retrain the entire NYPD to reduce the use of excessive force and to work with the community. We have changed our marijuana policy to reduce low-level arrests, and we have launched a new pilot program for body cameras for officers to improve transparency and accountability.“These are the long term reforms we are making to ensure we don’t endure tragedies like this one again in the future. But we also know that this chapter is not yet complete. The grand jury is but one part of the process. There will still be an NYPD internal investigation. And we know the US Attorney is continuing her investigation. Should the federal government choose to act, we stand ready to cooperate.“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – one of our nation’s most profound thinkers on these issues – taught us something very simple: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The problem of police-community relations and civil rights is not just an issue for people of color – or young people – or people who get stopped by police. This is a fundamental issue for every American who cares about justice. “All of us must work together to make this right – to work for justice – and to build the kind of city – and nation – we need to be.”

Reminded again: we've come a long, long way from how we got here, but we have a long way to go. #EricGarner #MikeBrown #trayvonmartin

— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) December 3, 2014

I am devastated by the decision of the grand jury. #EricGarner

— Yvette D. Clarke (@YvetteClarke) December 3, 2014

Outrageous! #EricGarner

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) December 3, 2014

The U.S. Justice Department should investigate the death of Eric Garner immediately.

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) December 3, 2014

"I am deeply disappointed by the Staten Island Grand Jury's decision not to indict Officer Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner. Even in the face of video footage, it appears justice will not be served for Mr. Garner or his family."In the span of two weeks, this nation seems to have heard one message loud and clear: there will be no accountability for taking Black lives. As an American, it is growing increasingly difficult to believe that there is justice for all. "I ask for calm yet resolute voices to be heard in our communities. It is imperative that people of good will, those who believe in a just and fair criminal justice system, hear our voices. Black lives do matter and our lives do hold value. "This is yet another sad day for our county and our democracy."

“I am truly disappointed and stunned by the Staten Island grand jury’s decision not to return an indictment in the death of Eric Garner who died after being placed in a chokehold by police officer Daniel Pantaleo.Again, the justice system has failed yet another unarmed Black man. In this case, Eric Garner’s violent death was videotaped, leaving no doubt that there is a clear injustice.I expose children on a daily basis to techniques on how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project that I founded 22-years-ago. This program teaches boys how to interact with law enforcement and has paid huge dividends in the salvation of human life. We must break this tragic pattern of predictability. We cannot afford a repeat of the past. As we pray for the Garner family, let us continue to wage a peaceful battle to put an end to injustice and racial profiling.”

“The men and women who serve in the New York Police Department have sworn to uphold and protect our communities. Most of them are heroes who work hard, and save lives. They serve admirably, and the few who do not should not tarnish the entire police force. “I generally don’t question grand juries, but I have to say this doesn’t pass the smell test. There is going to be a lot of outrage about this, there is going to be a lot of people who rightfully feel that justice was not served. I hope that people who feel that way will be peaceful, not violent. “The color of Eric Garner’s skin should not matter, but his death should. This is not a black issue, a white issue or a Latino issue. It’s an American issue. It breaks my heart because we have worked hard in this country to bring people together. I want my kids to know that they live in a society where everyone is given equal treatment. That’s what our country is all about.”