The Latest: Garner’s relatives cry as arrest video is played

NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the disciplinary trial for a New York police officer in the death of Eric Garner (all times local):

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.

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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.

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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

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1 a.m.

A long-delayed disciplinary trial is set to begin 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 is scheduled to start 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 that 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.

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