Confronted by police trying to arrest him for allegedly selling illegal cigarettes , Eric Garner raised both hands in the air and , with passive defiance , told the officers not to touch him . Seconds later , a video shows the officer behind him grab the 350-pound man in a chokehold and pull him to the sidewalk , rolling him onto his stomach . `` I ca n't breathe ! I ca n't breathe ! '' Garner said repeatedly , his cries muffled into the pavement . The video of the Thursday skirmish shows the Staten Island man lying on the ground motionless after the incident . An asthmatic , Garner was later declared dead at a nearby hospital , according to CNN affiliate WCBS . Police said he suffered a heart attack and died en route to the hospital . `` This is a terrible tragedy that occurred yesterday . A terrible tragedy that no family should have to experience , '' said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio , calling the video of the incident `` very troubling . '' Police told WCBS that 43-year-old Garner , a father of six , had a lengthy criminal history and had been previously arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes in May . Officer Daniel Pantaleo , who is seen on video choking Garner , was put on modified assignment and stripped of his shield and gun as the New York Police Department continues to investigate the incident , WCBS reported . The chokehold tactic is prohibited by the NYPD . Two EMTs and two paramedics have been suspended without pay , Erika Hellstrom , vice president of development at Richmond University Medical Center , said in an e-mail . In a statement , Patrolmen 's Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch called Pantaleo 's reassignment `` a completely unwarranted , kneejerk reaction for political reasons . '' He said the move `` effectively pre-judges this case and denies the officer the very benefit of a doubt that has long been part of the social contract that allows police officers to face the risks of this difficult and complex job . '' On Saturday , Garner 's friends and family rallied alongside the Rev . Al Sharpton in Upper Manhattan , demanding a full investigation into Garner 's death , according to WCBS . Garner 's wife was set to speak at the rally but found herself too emotional , WCBS reported . New York photographer Joel Graham was at Saturday 's demonstration , which lasted for two hours . He shared his photographs with CNN iReport , and says he captured them while walking alongside protesters who traveled from New Brighton Church to the store where the chokehold incident took place . `` This crowd was composed of good , well-meaning people who understood that peace was the only option and were adamant that things remain calm over Eric 's death . I have been to protests that have been violent , but this crowd reflected who Eric was , '' he said . Graham , an area resident , had a familiar relationship with Garner . `` I am an urban art photographer , and I will talk to everyone on the streets of New York City , '' he said , explaining that he would occasionally chat with Garner while taking photos near the Staten Island Ferry . `` I had empathy for Eric and how he must have felt trying to catch his breath , and sympathy for the family . This was a heartfelt emotional protest because everyone loved Eric , '' he said . Family of woman beaten by California patrol officer plans to sue . New York City to pay $ 100,000 settlement to Brooklyn man beaten by cops . Oklahoma father dies in police encounter after mother slaps daughter .
Two EMTs , two paramedics suspended without pay , medical center official says . Officer arresting Garner grabbed him in a chokehold ; Garner died en route to hospital . Comment: Police group says NYPD reaction denies officer benefit of the doubt .