Attention immediately turned to Mayor de Blasio , who has allowed that officer, Daniel Pantaleo, and others involved in the fatal encounter, to remain on the New York Police Department payroll.

“Mayor de Blasio, do your job. Fire these officers,” Mr. Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, said at a news conference.

Catch me up. What happened?

The Justice Department was considering whether to bring federal civil rights charges against Officer Pantaleo. On video taken by a bystander, he is seen wrapping an arm around Mr. Garner’s neck and helping to wrestle him to the ground. (Mr. Garner had been accused of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.)

On the video, Mr. Garner is heard saying “I can’t breathe” 11 times.

Officer Pantaleo still works for the city?

Yes.

Officer Pantaleo has been stripped of his gun and badge and assigned to desk duty since the July 17, 2014, encounter.