An officer with the New York Police Department has been indicted in the shooting death of Akai Gurley, an unarmed African American man who was killed last November when the officer accidentally fired his weapon while walking through a public housing project in Brooklyn.

The incident occurred when rookie officer Peter Liang and his partner were making rounds in the notorious Pink Houses in East New York on Nov. 20. The cops were walking through an unlit staircase when Liang reportedly had his gun out and it accidentally discharged, striking the 28-year-old victim in the chest as he stood in the landing a floor below.

A grand jury decided to indict Liang for manslaughter on Tuesday, reports the New York Daily News. According to sources, the 27-year-old cop was charged with second-degree manslaughter, reckless endangerment, second-degree assault and official misconduct. As a result, he is facing up to 15 years in prison.

"I'm glad the grand jury looked at the evidence and returned an indictment," said Kimberly Ballinger, Gurley's domestic partner and mother of his 2-year-old daughter, to The Daily News. "I am happy, I have faith in the Brooklyn District Attorney and I thank him."

It also took Liang and his partner over six minutes before they answered the radio following the shooting.

Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch is demanding due process.

"The fact the he was assigned to patrol one of the most dangerous housing projects in New York City must be considered among the circumstances of this tragic accident," he said of the officer, according to NY1.

"I'm sad that he was indicted," said Ed Mullins, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association. "I don't know exactly what transpired in that hallway, but I believe it's a truly accidental incident."

On the other hand, the Rev. Al Sharpton said he and Gurley's relatives "are pleased that the process will now allow for a fair and impartial hearing."

Ballinger is also planning to sue the city for $50 million.

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