Meet the NYPD Police Officer Who Used a Fatal (and Illegal) Headlock on Eric Garner — He’s Been Given Desk Duty WITH PAY

New York, NY — NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo has had his gun and badge stripped, after he was seen on video apparently putting Eric Garner, a 400-pound African American man, in a headlock. Garner died before he ever reached the hospital.

Pantaleo, who is an eight-year NYPD veteran, was given a desk job until the investigation is completed, and he will remain on payroll.

Another officer was also disciplined and removed from street duty, but the department did not release his name.

Meanwhile, Garner’s wife and family were overcome with grief at a recent rally planned and organized by civil rights leader Al Sharpton and his National Action Network organizations. She was seen have an emotional breakdown, as she burst into tears and was escorted out of the building.

Sharpton commented during the rally, “This is going to be a real test to see where policies are in the city now and whether the change that we feel occurred has occurred.”

“We are the only ones,” he added, “in the social setup that has to deal with fear of cops and robbers.

The officers involved, however, still contend that Garner was resisting arrest and was hostile towards them when they questioned him about supposedly selling untaxed cigarettes.

Watch the whole encounter:

ALSO SEE: 400-Pound Man Dies After NYC Police Officer Put Him in A Chokehold — Investigation Launched; Rallies Planned