Lawyers representing a New York City police sergeant charged with the murder of a Bronx woman appeared in court Friday.

Members of the NYPD rallied on the steps of City Hall Thursday in support of the sergeant who was indicted on murder charges.

NYPD Sgt. Hugh Barry was indicted on murder charges in connection with the shooting of Deborah Danner in the Bronx.

Barry pleaded not guilty, claiming he convinced Danner to drop a pair of scissors before she threatened him with a baseball bat and prompted him to shoot.

Barry's lawyer, Andrew Quinn, told News 12 that he plans to file a motion requesting grand jury transcripts to examine if there is enough evidence to support murder charges against his client.

After the shooting, Sgt. Barry was strongly criticized by NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill who said that the "NYPD failed Danner," who was known to neighbors as someone who was schizophrenic.

The commissioner's response outraged several law enforcement unions, including the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association, which called O'Neill's comments an "absolute disgrace."

Hawk Newsome, of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York, says Barry's indictment on murder charges is a step in the right direction.

"This is what we pushed for. This is what we fought for. What concerns me is the involuntary manslaughter charge, because that will carry a lesser sentence. I'd like to see him go away for a very long time," says Newsome.

Sgt. Barry is scheduled to be in court Oct. 16.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.