Bulldog, while it is easy to get caught up in the emotion of events such as these, there are several mistakes in the reporting and descriptions of the event.
1. The hold used is a compliance hold not a chokehold. A chokehold is applied in a different manner and causes a person to temporarily loss consciousness. This did not occur in this event as evidenced by the verbalization by Mr. Gardner.
2. There is no force applied at all once Gardner is handcuffed. He continues to struggle once taken to the ground, further evidence that he was fully conscious. What was excessive?
3. The " chokehold" was in place for about 12 seconds based on the video, generally not enough to cause LOC much less permanent damage.
4. Gardner was advised he was under arrest, that is when he begins to physically struggle, also the police are not required to advise of reason for arrest at time of arrest although most times it does happen. It is apparent from Gardner's demeanor that he is aware of the offense even before the confrontation becomes physical.
5. Most people seem to forget that if Eric Gardner had been compliant with a lawful arrest, we would not be having this discussion.
While mistakes might have been made, NYPD did not cause this situation.