ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Defense attorneys for a Minnesota police officer charged in the fatal shooting of a black motorist are asking that statements about the driver's permit to carry a gun be omitted from trial.

St. Anthony officer Jeronimo Yanez, who is Latino, is charged with manslaughter in the death of Philando Castile. The shooting happened last July after Castile told Yanez he had a gun. The aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Castile's girlfriend, who says in the video that Castile had a permit to carry.

The defense says Yanez didn't know about the permit at the time, so the statements are irrelevant.

Judge William H. Leary III says he's leaning toward narrowing the evidence that will be allowed about Castile's gun permit. He'll rule after prosecutors share their position on the issue Wednesday morning.

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