Thousands protest NYPD officer Liang's conviction

Protesters hold a rally in support of former NYPD officer Peter Liang in the Brooklyn borough of New York February 20, 2016. [Xie Yun'an for chinadaily.com.cn]

A volunteer, identified herself as Kathy, from South Bay, said she felt sorry for NYPD (New York Police Department) officer Peter Liang and for Mr. Akai Gurley, the victim of Liang's accidental shooting, and she was there for the Chinese-American community, as it mobilized for a cause, calling for fair treatment for all.

On Nov 20, 2014, Liang, a 27-year-old with only a year and a half on the job, was patrolling with his partner in Brooklyn's East New York housing project when he was startled by a noise.

In a stairway that prosecutors described as "pitch-dark," Liang drew his gun and fired. The bullet ricocheted off a wall and hit Gurley on a lower level.

Liang was found guilty of the killing of Gurley and was convicted of second-degree manslaughter by a jury on Feb. 11.