Protesters in Utica rallied Wednesday in support of justice for Walter Washington Jr.

Washington was shot and killed by Utica police officer Samuel Geddes in 2005 after he reportedly pointed a handgun at him. An investigation reportedly later revealed that Washington was carrying a pellet gun.

The district attorney later dropped the case but family members hope that the community’s outpouring of support will lead to some measure of change.

“I appreciate everybody that came out today and I hope this will maybe give us more attention to have charges brought up, or have some sort of outcome,” said Kayla Washington, Walter’s daughter.

The protest comes one week after the Utica Police Department suspended Geddes, who is now a sergeant, for an unrelated incident in August.