Police shooting sparks conversation about how Asian Americans experience racism

The Pink Houses, where Akai Gurley was shot and killed in a stairwell. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

April 11, 2016 2:15 PM PT

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After New York Police Officer Peter Liang’s gun fired in a stairwell, ricocheting off walls and killing Akai Gurley, the Chinese American became the first NYPD officer convicted in such a case in over a decade, drawing attention to accusations of bias against Asian Americans in the city.

A poster announces a march for justice one year after the shooting death of Akai Gurley, who was unarmed. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Peter Liang protest (Craig Ruttle / Associated Press)

Counter-protesters exchange words with demonstratorsata Feb. 20 rally in support of Officer Peter Liang. (Craig Ruttle / Associated Press)

Children play basketball on the edge of New York’s Chinatown, where there is a mix of cultures. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A cashier at China Doll Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn, near the Pink Houses, gives change back to a customer. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Kenneth Eng offers Joel Mangal, left, adviceabout his car’s muffleron the edge of New York’s Chinatown. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Two employees at work at China Doll Chinese Restaurant, near the Pink Houses. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A police officer patrols on the edge of New York’s Chinatown. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The Pink Houses in Brooklyn, where Akai Gurley was shot and killed by NYPD Officer Peter Liang in what Liang said was an accident. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)