News Wrap: Diplomats gather in Brussels to strategize against the Islamic State

JUDY WOODRUFF:

A white policeman in New York City will not be charged in the choking death of a black man that was caught on videotape. The case has been closely watched in the wake of events in Ferguson, Missouri.

Police on Staten Island tried to arrest Eric Garner for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes last July. He told them to leave him alone, but one wrapped an arm around his neck, as Garner repeatedly gasped, "I can't breathe." It turned out he had asthma, and he died later. The officer denied using a banned chokehold, and a grand jury today found no reasonable cause to indict.

That drew outrage from several of New York's members of Congress, including representative Hakeem Jeffries.

REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES, (D) New York: The decision by a grand jury not to indict in the death of Eric Garner is a miscarriage of justice, it's an outrage, it's a disgrace, it's a blow to our democracy, and it should shock the conscience of every single American who cares about justice and fair play.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Garner's father condemned the grand jury decision, calling it a license to kill a black man. But he also called for calm, as did New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who urged nonviolent protest.

The officer, Daniel Pantaleo, issued a statement, saying: "It is never my intention to harm anyone. And I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner."

And, in Washington, President Obama said the case underscores again — quote — "the larger issues that minorities have with police in America."

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

We are not going to let up until we see a strengthening of the trust, and a strengthening of the accountability that exists between our communities and our law enforcement.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Separately today, a funeral was held for the 12-year-old Cleveland boy killed by police when he pulled a pellet gun last month. The child was black, the officer white. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported today that the officer's handling of firearms was rated as — quote — "dismal" in a previous police job.

GWEN IFILL:

World allies gathered in Brussels today to plot strategy against Islamic State extremists. Diplomats from more than 60 nations and organizations met at NATO headquarters.

Secretary of State John Kerry said air attacks have already done serious damage to Islamic State fighters.

JOHN KERRY, Secretary of State: We are united in moving ahead on all fronts and that we will engage in this campaign for as long as it takes to prevail. There is a reason that we are confident that we will, and that is all of you around this table, the members of this coalition.

GWEN IFILL:

Kerry declined to comment or deny reports that Iran is also carrying out airstrikes against Islamic State forces inside Iraq.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Iran issued its own denial today of those airstrike reports. Unnamed Pentagon officials had said that Iran used aging F-4 Phantom jets to launch the raids in recent days. But, in Tehran, a government spokesman said Iran's support for Iraq has not expanded to include direct military intervention.

MARZIEH AFKHAM, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman (through interpreter):

There has been no change. The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to provide assistance, especially advice and consultation assistance, within the frameworks of international law, but there has been no change in this regard.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

And, in Syria, President Bashar Assad said today that airstrikes against Islamic State targets in his country have done no good. He told a French magazine that only ground troops can defeat the militants.

GWEN IFILL:

Meanwhile, in Baghdad, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said a woman detained in Lebanon is not the wife of the Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, after all. Instead, a ministry official said she is the sister of a man convicted of bombings in Southern Iraq.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Three leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy campaign surrendered to police today, after more than two months of demonstrating for free elections. The men were not immediately charged, and they were not detained. Afterward, they again urged students to call off protests that have led to violent clashes with police.

BENNY TAI, Co-founder, Hong Kong Occupy Central movement (through interpreter): The situation is very dangerous, so I hope protesters can end the occupation movement as soon as possible. Let's save the energy and continue this path of democracy. This is a long and exhausting road, but we need to walk together.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Despite that appeal, hundreds of student demonstrators remained at two protest camps in Hong Kong's financial hub.

GWEN IFILL:

Back in this country, drought-ravaged California soaked up a second day of heavy rainfall from a major Pacific storm. More than eight inches had fallen in parts of the San Bernardino Mountains by dawn. To the north, the downpours spawned isolated flooding in the San Francisco region, where some roads were underwater. Forecasters said they expect the rain to last through tomorrow. Even so, it's expected to take many more storms to break the drought.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted this evening to extend $45 billion in tax breaks through the end of this year. The package includes provisions for businesses, commuters, teachers, and even NASCAR racetracks. It now heads to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

GWEN IFILL:

The House also moved to pass the first new legislation on disabled Americans in nearly 25 years. The so-called ABLE Act, for Achieving a Better Life Experience, will let the disabled open tax-sheltered bank accounts to pay for long-term expenses. It could affect as many as 54 million people. The Senate is expected to pass the bill as well.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Texas and 16 other states filed a lawsuit today over President Obama's executive actions on immigration. They went to federal court in Texas, arguing the president exceeded his powers by protecting up to five million migrants from deportation. They also claim his actions will force the states to spend more on law enforcement, health care, and education.

GWEN IFILL:

On Wall Street, stocks rallied on a pair of upbeat economic report. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 33 points to close at 17,912; the Nasdaq rose 18 points to close at 4,774; and the S&P added more than seven points to close at 2,074.