NYPD officer convicted under chokehold ban

On August 14, 2026, a United States — New York City jury convicted NYPD officer Umar Habib of second-degree felony strangulation, third-degree misdemeanor assault, and the misdemeanor of unlawful methods of restraint, marking the first conviction under United States — New York City's 2020 chokehold ban enacted after George Floyd's murder. The charges stem from a July 28, 2023 incident at a Bronx catering hall where Habib placed an intoxicated and disorderly man, Lord Nymaah, in a chokehold so tight it impeded his breathing and circulation, causing him to lose consciousness. Habib, who had served since 2007, was dismissed from the NYPD following the felony conviction, as required by law. Bronx Criminal Supreme Court Judge Cynthia Isales ordered him held without bail. Habib's defense attorney Jacob Z. Weinstein argued that other factors could have caused the man to pass out. The verdict was denounced by Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, who claimed it reflects anti-police propaganda. Habib had a history of substantiated misconduct complaints, including a 2017 chokehold incident substantiated by the United States — New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, and was accused of lying under oath and tampering with evidence in a 2016 gun raid. The 2020 law was challenged by police unions but upheld by United States — New York (state)'s highest court in 2023. The case is seen as a landmark in police accountability, following the 2014 death of Killing of Eric Garner, where officer Killing of Eric Garner lost his job but faced no criminal charges.