From Chokehold to Conviction: Elijah McClain’s Tragic Death and the Arrest of a First Responder

In 2019, Elijah McClain, a young African-American man, tragically passed away after being put in a chokehold and given a strong sedative during his arrest. This case gained significant media attention following the death of George Floyd in May 2020. One of the first responders involved in McClain’s arrest has now been sentenced to 14 months in half-term detention.

The paramedic will be allowed to work during the day but must return to prison in the evenings and weekends during his sentence. Additionally, he has been given a four-year suspended prison sentence. The prosecution argued that the first responders did not properly assess McClain’s condition before administering the drug ketamine.

McClain was stopped by police after an anonymous caller described him as “suspicious” for wearing ski goggles. However, his family stated that he was only outside to buy an iced tea and often wore the goggles to protect against the cold due to anemia. The use of ketamine in arrests is controversial in the US, leading to investigations in multiple states. This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding police use of force and treatment of individuals with black skin in the criminal justice system.