*Officer Peter Liang, a rookie NYPD officer who fired into a darkened stairwell at a Brooklyn public housing complex, accidentally killing a man who had been waiting for an elevator, was indicted in the death on Tuesday.
Liang is set to appear in court today, Wednesday, in the shooting death of 28-year-old Akai Gurley, according to Scott Rynecki, an attorney representing Gurley’s family. The charges against Liang weren’t immediately clear.
“This is the first step for justice,” Rynecki said.
The shooting occurred Nov. 20 .
The indictment of Liang was good news as far as the National Action Network is concerned. Here’s whatKirsten John Foy, Northeast Regional Director, National Action Network, had to say:
“National Action Network (NAN) is pleased by the announcement that NYPD officer Peter Liang will be charged with the death of Akai Gurley. NAN has supported Kimberly Ballinger and the child of Akai Gurley since the unarmed young black man was killed and we are pleased that the process will now allow for a fair and impartial hearing. Unlike the case in Staten Island, this case shows the difference in a prosecutor who will respect the grand jury’s role to decide probable cause, rather than attempt to influence it. We will monitor this to make sure there is a fair process.
Less than two months ago Kimberly and Mr. Gurley’s 2-year-old daughter joined us with Rev. Sharpton, the parents of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and others at our national march that drew tens of thousands in Washington, D.C. Just last month we marched at the Pink Houses on King Day protesting this case and we intend to remain supportive of a just conclusion.”
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