2:45 p.m.
Testimony has wrapped up on the first day of what's expected to be a two-week
disciplinary case for a New York City police officer accused of using a banned chokehold in the July 2014 death of Eric Garner.
The watchdog agency acting as the prosecutor ended the day Monday by calling two police officials to the witness stand who were involved in an internal affairs investigation of the matter.
The men say their investigation found Officer Daniel Pantaleo likely violated department rules regarding a chokehold and that a request was made in January 2015 for internal disciplinary charges against him.
The police department put the disciplinary matter on hold while federal law enforcement investigated a possible civil rights case against Pantaleo. The department decided to move forward with the discipline case last year. The U.S. Justice Department has until July to file charges.
12:50 p.m.
Eric Garner's sister left a New York City courtroom wailing as a video was played showing the 2014 arrest that led to his death.
Garner's mother also left in tears Monday. The video was played as the man who took it testified at the disciplinary hearing for Officer Daniel Pantaleo (pan-tuh-LAY'-oh).
Garner was the unarmed black man whose pleas of "I can't breathe" became a rallying cry against police brutality.
Pantaleo's lawyer, Stuart London, said in an opening statement that the officer is being made a scapegoat in a politically charged atmosphere.
11:10 a.m.
A defense lawyer says the New York City police officer accused of using a banned chokehold in the July 2014 death of Eric Garner is being made a scapegoat in a politically charged atmosphere.
Attorney Stuart London spoke Monday at the disciplinary hearing for Officer Daniel Pantaleo (pan-tuh-LAY'-oh).
Garner was the unarmed black man whose pleas of "I can't breathe" became a rallying cry against police brutality.
London says it's a misconception that the phrase was uttered when the officer's hands were around Garner's neck. He says it happened when officers were trying to handcuff Garner.
London says that "we know he wasn't choked out because he is speaking."
He also says Pantaleo feared Garner was trying to push him toward a plate glass window.
10:35 a.m.
A long-delayed disciplinary trial is being held for the New York City police officer accused of using a banned chokehold in the July 2014 death of Eric Garner.
Officer Daniel Pantaleo's trial got underway Monday at police headquarters.
Garner was the unarmed black man whose pleas of "I can't breathe" became a rallying cry against police brutality.
Pantaleo could face penalties ranging from the loss of vacation days to firing if he's found to have violated department rules. He denies wrongdoing.
A ruling last week requires the police watchdog agency bringing the case prove not only that Pantaleo violated department rules, but that his actions fit the criteria for criminal charges. Pantaleo does not actually face criminal charges.
Pantaleo has been on desk duty since Garner's death.