Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a statement in response to the finding, expressing condolences to Garner’s family.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Eric Garner, on this day we have received the Medical Examiner’s findings concerning the cause of his death,” the mayor said in the statement. “My administration will continue to work with all involved authorities, including the Richmond County District Attorney, to ensure a fair and justified outcome.”

De Blasio also addressed the tension that has erupted between police and community activists in the wake of Garner’s death.

“We all have a responsibility to work together to heal the wounds from decades of mistrust and create a culture where the police department and the communities they protect respect each other—and that’s a responsibility that (NYPD) Commissioner (Bill) Bratton and I take very seriously,” the mayor said in the statement. “I’ve said that we would make change, and we will. As Mayor, I remain absolutely committed to ensuring that the proper reforms are enacted to ensure that this won’t happen again.”

Medical Examiner: Police Chokehold Killed Eric Garner, Death Ruled A Homicide

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton also issued a brief statement.

“The NYPD has been informed of the preliminary findings by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner as it relates to the death of Eric Garner,” Bratton said. “We will continue to cooperate with the Richmond County District Attorney’s office, which is the lead investigative entity in this case.”

But Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said Garner resisted arrest, and argued that the incident may not have happened if he had not.

“Our sympathies and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Garner. Police Officers don’t start their days expecting or wanting something like this to occur in the performance of their duties,” Lynch’s statement said. “The ME’s report indicates that Mr. Garner was a man with serious health problems so there will have to be a complete and thorough analysis of all the factors that played a part in this tragedy. We believe, however, that if he had not resisted the lawful order of the police officers placing him under arrest, this tragedy would not have occurred.”

The 43-year-old father of six died in police custody on Staten Island after he had been stopped by police for allegedly selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

In cellphone video of the incident, an officer is seen placing his arm around Garner’s neck in a chokehold and then taking him to the ground after Garner refuses to be handcuffed.

Garner is heard saying repeatedly, “I can’t breathe!”

Officer Daniel Pantaleo, the cop who was seen on video placing Garner in a chokehold, and another unidentified officer were placed on modified reassignment pending the outcome of the case.

Four emergency workers were suspended without pay pending an investigation.

As CBS 2’s Dave Carlin reported, the Staten Island District Attorney’s office said it has been in contact with the ME’s office, and they are awaiting a death certificate and autopsy report.

“The investigation into Mr. Garner’s death continues,” the DA’s office said.

As WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell reported, CBS News Legal Analyst Jack Ford said the results will help the District Attorney with his investigation.

“It gives the prosecutor an opportunity to say, ‘All right, I’ve got most of the things I need here,’” he said.

He believes a likely charge could be manslaughter.

“That deals with circumstances where you didn’t intend to kill somebody, but you did engage in reckless conduct,” Ford said.

Garner’s videotaped confrontation with police has caused widespread outcry, and Attorney General Eric Holder has said the Justice Department is “closely monitoring” the investigation into his death.

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