New York City says it will pay $5.9 million to the family of Eric Garner, a black man whose death at the hands of a white police officer last year sparked protests over abusive treatment of African Americans by law enforcement.

The settlement was announced Wednesday by Scott Stringer, New York City’s comptroller, or chief financial officer. Garner’s family last October had filed a claim, the first step before filing a formal lawsuit, seeking $75 million in damages from the city.  Stringer said in a statement that the agreement was “in the best interest of all parties,” and that the city did not admit liability in Garner’s death.

Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters Monday night he hoped the settlement will bring “some peace and finality” to Garner’s family.

The settlement comes just days before the first anniversary of the 43-year-old Garner’s death, which occurred when police officers attempted to arrest him on suspicion of selling untaxed loose cigarettes.  They wrestled him to the ground after one of the officers, Daniel Pantaleo, stood behind Garner and put him in a chokehold, which is prohibited by the New York police department.  In a cell phone video taken of the incident, Garner could be heard saying “I can’t breathe” 11 times before he lost consciousness. 

Garner’s death was ruled a homicide by the city’s medical examiner, but a grand jury declined to bring charges against Pantaleo.  A federal investigation into Garner’s death is ongoing. 

Garner’s death was one of several in recent years involving unarmed black men at the hands of police officers.  In another incident last year, Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed after a confrontation with a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.  Protesters issued a demand for an end to racial bias among police officers and holding police officers responsible for their actions.
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