Tensions Erupt between Peter Liang and Black Lives Matter Supporters

By Shirley Lew
AsAmNews New York Correspondent
Photos by Corky Lee

Tommy Ong, a retired police officer along with other off-duty police and retired members of the Asian Jade Society were at the Brooklyn rally to show their support for ex-NYPD officer Peter Liang. 

Liang, was a rookie cop and has been found guilty for second degree manslaughter and faces up to a 15 year sentence. He is also the first police officer to be convicted of killing an innocent victim.

Ong captured on video a Black Lives Matter group of about 25 individuals. They were in Brooklyn to counter the rally for Liang. Their signs read, “Justice for Akai Gurley – Jail Killer Cops,” while shouting “Black lives matter!”

Some supporters for Liang were heard on the video shouting Chinese expletives at the group and another individual could be heard telling them to “go home.”

Black Lives Matter supporters were clearly outnumbered and surrounded by Liang supporters and were quickly escorted out of the plaza by police officers as the crowd cheered.

A man in the Black Lives Matter group could be seen on the video making a racist sentiment by pulling his eyes back to the Asian American crowd. He also stuck up his middle finger at them.

Brooklyn’s rally on Saturday drew thousands of supporters for Liang from all over the city. Over 30 cities held a rally on the same day to support Liang.
 
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