Story & Photos by Shirley N Lew
AsAmNews New York Correspondent
Demonstrators took to the streets in New York City to protest the prosecution of NYPD Officer Peter Liang. Many Asian American groups with signs and banners in English and Chinese shouted, “Justice for Peter Liang,” as they marched from Brooklyn, Cadman Plaza and over the Brooklyn Bridge into Chinatown.
Boston and Silicon Valley also held demonstrations today to show their support. The administrator for the Free Officer Peter Liang Facebook page told me supporters in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. were expected to join in today’s march in New York City.
Officer Liang was charged with manslaughter in February when his gun was fired accidentally killing Akai Gurley in an unlit staircase of an apartment building during a routine patrol. It is claimed that the bullet possibly ricocheted and killed Gurley. NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton called the incident “an unfortunate accident.”
In Chinatown’s Chatham Square, protestors gathered to voice their disagreement with the charges against Liang and want them dropped.
Mary from Brooklyn said, “I think it was an accident. He deserves a chance. I think his manslaughter charge is too high, but he should be charged with something, but not manslaughter. I think it’s an accident and accidents happen. I feel really sad for the victim’s family, but I don’t feel it is a criminal case. This one is an accident and hopefully the evidence will show that and that’s why we need to support Liang.”
Demonstrators feel that Liang is a scapegoat. Why? Because neither former Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson, who shot Michael Brown, and NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was captured on video choke-holding Staten Islander Eric Garner, were indicted for their actions. So, why, they say, should Peter Liang?
In an open letter that has been signed by 54 groups and over 200 individuals to counter protest the rallies today is still on the internet. They believe Liang should be indicted. The Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence, feels every police officer should held accountable regardless of race.
If Liang is found guilty of manslaughter he could face up to 15 years in prison. His next court appearance will be May 14.
Do you feel Liang should be charged or is he a scapegoat ?
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Asian-American Demonstrators Want Justice for NYPD Officer Peter Liang from Video Girl on Vimeo.
RE: Protesters in NY shout Justice for Peter Liang: I think his homicide allegation is too high, yet he ought to be accused of something, yet not murder. I believe it's a mischance and mishaps happen. I feel truly dismal for the casualty's family, however I don't feel it is a criminal case.