U.S. Rep. Pete King Weighs In On NYPD's Firing Of Daniel Pantaleo

MASSAPEQUA, NY — U.S. Rep. Pete King is not a fan of the NYPD's decision to fire the officer who put Eric Garner in a fatal chokehold. Within hours of the announcement Monday that Daniel Pantaleo had been terminated, King, a Republican, tweeted he disagreed with the decision.

"Have great respect for #NYPD Commissioner O’Neill but disagree with decision to terminate Officer Pantaleo," wrote King. "Cops have to make split second decisions. Pantaleo’s decision was understandable under circumstances."

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill's much-anticipated decision five years after Garner's death brought a delayed measure of accountability for the 43-year-old father, whose last words "I can't breathe," became a mantra for the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement.

"The unintended consequence of Mr. Garner's death must have a consequence of its own," O'Neill said at a news conference. "… It is clear that Daniel Pantaleo can no longer effectively serve as a New York City police officer."

Pantaleo's firing became effective immediately.

The decision came two weeks after an NYPD judge recommended his dismissal from the force and about a month after the U.S. Department of Justice said it would not bring federal criminal charges against him.

King, who has an office in Massapequa Park, represents New York's 2nd Congressional District, which includes parts of southeastern Nassau County and southwestern Nassau County. His tweet stands in stark contrast to Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James' remarks.

James said in a statement that Pantaleo's firing represented at least some justice.

"For over five years, the Garner family and communities across the country have waited for justice in the death of Eric Garner," she said. "While we will never be able to change the events that transpired or bring Mr. Garner back, today, some semblance of justice is finally being served. In memory of Eric Garner and the countless others who have unjustly lost their lives, we will continue to fight for reforms to fix our broken criminal justice system and ensure that all of our communities feel safe."

Patch staffer Noah Manskar contributed to this report.