Dear SDAAFE members and friends,
For the past couple of weeks, SDAAFE has been closely following the Peter Liang case. As details of the case emerge, all evidence supports that the incident was an unfortunate and tragic accident. However, we believe that the six-count charges against Officer Peter Liang, including second-degree manslaughter, are too harsh for a rookie police officer who carried out his duty in good faith, and that the unjustified indictment is politically driven rather than the result of impartial application of laws.
Public confidence in our judicial process hinges upon fair and consistent application of the same rules and regulations governing police actions, regardless of race and ethnicity of the persons involved. In accordance with our mission to advocate equality for Asian Americans, SDAAFE has decided to join the National Asian American Coalition in support of Officer Peter Liang.
In the meantime, we recommend our members following actions to show your support to Officer Peter Liang.
1. If interested, like Free Peter Liang (https://www.facebook.com/FreePeterLiang )
2. If interested, join “帮助梁警官” WeChat group.
3. Call Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson (718-250-2340) to express your disagreement with his decision. (Thompson’s email is not available.)
4. Email Borough President of Brooklyn, NYC Eric L Adams (askeric@brooklynbp.nyc.gov ) to express your disagreement with DA Thompson’s decision on the Peter Liang case.
5. Email New York City Council District 1 Margaret Chin (chin@council.nyc.gov ) to express your deep concern of her presumptuous call for the indictment of Officer Liang prior to evidence of the case being presented.
6. Email Cathy Dang at CAAAV ( justice@caaav.org ) to express your deep concern of their presumptuous call for the indictment of Officer Liang prior to evidence of the case being presented.
7. Leave NYPD commissioner William J. Bratton an online message (http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mailnypd.html ) to express your support to fairness and justice for Officer Peter Liang and all other on-duty police officers who risk their own lives on a daily basis.
8. Email NYCPBA President Patrick J. Lynch ( plynch@nycpba.org ) to express your support to fairness and justice for Officer Peter Liang and all other on-duty police officers who risk their own lives on a daily basis.
We have listed the link to detailed description of the Peter Liang case in the appendix, as well as three templates of phone message and letters for your reference.
Our mission at SDAAFE is to advocate full equality for Asian Americans. We look forward to your continued support.
In your service,
The Board and Executive Directors of SDAAFE
Appendix
1. The Peter Liang Case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Akai_Gurley.
2. Example of phone message to District Attorney Ken Thompson.
“Hi, Mr. Thompson, my name is _______. I would like to leave you a message regarding your recent decision to indict New York Police Officer Peter Liang. I have been closely following the case and am deeply troubled by your decision and strongly against it. All evidence supports that the incident was an unfortunate tragic accident. I also believe that Officer Liang was used as a scapegoat by you and your indictment was politically motivated. The vast majority in the Asian American Community is rallying against your unjustified indictment and as an elected District Attorney by the public, you are responsible to apply the laws impartially. Your indictment has caused me to become deeply concerned of your track record in this regard. Please do the right thing and withdraw the indictment against Officer Liang. Thank you.”
3. Example of letter to City Council Margaret Chin or Ms. Cathy Dang at CAAAV
“Dear _____________, I have been closely following the news about Officer Peter Liang’s incident and I believe that all evidence supports that the incident was an unfortunate and tragic accident. I am deeply troubled by your presumptuous call for the indictment of Liang before the evidence was even presented to public.
Therefore, I’d like to know why you support the indictment. Could you tell me what facts have you reviewed that caused you to arrive at the decision to support the indictment of Officer Liang? What is the source of your information? Did you talk to the police station or Liang’s boss? Was there any evidence to support your opinion?
While I am against police brutality, I am also against presumptuous accusation of police brutality without evidence. I’d also like to stress that, based on evidence, Officer Liang should not be indicted. I am deeply disappointed by your statement.”
4. Example of letter to NYPD Commissioner or NYCPBA President
“Dear _____________, I have been closely following the news on Officer Peter Liang’s incident. All evidence supports that the incident was an unfortunate and tragic accident. I believe Officer Liang should not be indicted.
If any case were to have the benefit of doubt, Officer Peter Liang’s would be the one.
I strongly support fairness and justice for Officer Liang and all other on-duty police officers who risk their own lives on a daily basis. Thank you.”