Conservative media parroted Sen. Rand Paul's (R-KY) claim that cigarette taxes were partly to blame in the choking death of Eric Garner by a New York City police officer following a grand jury decision not to indict the officer accused in the incident. Mainstream media outlets criticized the "fanciful" assertion, explaining Garner died due to excessive police force.Grand Jury Decides Not To Indict Officer In Death Of Eric Garner Grand Jury Votes Not To Indict Officer In Chokehold Death.