Democratic Councilman Vincent Gentile blasted Staten Island DA Daniel Donovan in their congressional debate Tuesday night over Donovan’s refusal to release grand jury records from the Eric Garner case.
“Even though a grand jury is normally secret, secrecy breeds suspicion,” said Gentile. “At least the public in general and the citizens of Staten Island can see what questions he was asked, what answers he gave, that could help dispel some of the suspicions.”
Donovan defended his handling of Garner, who died in a chokehold while being arrested last year.
“We presented a fair and impartial presentation over nine weeks,” said Donovan, who is vying for the seat vacated by tax evader Michael Grimm in the May 5 special election.
A handful of protesters disrupted the debate, chanting “I can’t breathe,” as it began, and “black lives matter” as it ended.