Arthur Miller
June 17, 1978· unknown, New York City, New York
- People
- Arthur Miller
- Outcome
- unknown
On June 14, 1978, Arthur Miller, a beloved Black businessman and community leader in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, was choked to death by NYPD officers during an altercation that began when police pulled over his brother Sam for a traffic violation. Miller, who had immigrated from the Bahamas as a teenager and built a successful business in the community, intervened when he saw police struggling with his brother. In the ensuing chaos, officers subdued Miller using a chokehold. Witnesses reported seeing foam coming from his mouth, and his feet were visible sticking out of a police car window as it drove away. Miller died at the 77th Precinct stationhouse. After hearing testimony from 77 witnesses, a grand jury declined to recommend criminal charges against the officers. The Kings County District Attorney's office described the crushing of Miller's larynx as "a tragic unforeseeable accident which occurred during a lawful arrest." None of the officers were ever charged. Miller's death sparked a summer of protests in Brooklyn, led by Reverend Herbert Daughtry and the Black United Front. Up to 3,000 protesters marched across the Brooklyn Bridge carrying handwritten signs demanding justice. The organizing efforts following Miller's death resulted in the formation of the Arthur Miller Community Patrol in the 77th Precinct area, one of the first "cop watch" groups in New York City. Members wore distinctive green jackets emblazoned with Miller's face while monitoring police behavior. The Black United Front met with the police commissioner and demanded an end to the use of chokeholds. Spike Lee later dedicated his 1989 film "Do the Right Thing" to the families of Miller and other victims of police violence. Miller's case became a forerunner to the modern Movement for Black Lives, demonstrating that the struggle against police brutality has deep historical roots.