New York Republican Rep. Michael Grimm, whose district includes the borough of Staten Island, where black chokehold victim Eric Garner lived and died, says the grand jury decision not to indict white police officer Daniel Pantaleo "was fair and reasoned."
"There's no question that this grand jury had an immensely difficult task before them, but I have full faith that their judgment was
fair and reasoned," said the lawmaker, who won re-election last month.
Grimm also offered praise to District Attorney Daniel Donovan "for overseeing this case with the utmost integrity."
"As we all pray for the Garner family, I hope that we can now move forward and begin to heal together as a community," he said.
Grimm is under a 20-count federal indictment that includes allegations of hiding profits and employing undocumented immigrants at a Manhattan restaurant he previously owned.
The House Ethics Committee is also reviewing Grimm for
alleged campaign finance violations in 2012 that the Justice Department is looking into.
Fellow New York Republican Rep. Peter King tweeted his plea for respect for the grand jury's decision.
King added, "While the death of Eric Garner was tragic, all New Yorkers should respect the decision of the Staten Island grand jury not to indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo,"
The Hill reports.
"During this tense time in New York, it must be noted and remembered that no organization has done more to safeguard the lives of young African-Americans in New York City than the NYPD," he said.