According to The Hill, a union representing thousands of New York City police sergeants made a statement on Sunday to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), saying that members of the New York Police Department are “declaring war” on the mayor after two officers were separately attacked in a span of 12 hours.
The Sergeant’s Benevolent Association (SBA) tweeted Sunday that the mayor was not welcome to visit wounded officers in the hospital, and added that the officers had no “respect” for the Democratic mayor.
“Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you! We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. NYPD cops have been assassinated because of you. This isn’t over, Game on!” the union’s Twitter account posted.
“Police are being targeted.The anti cop tone infecting our city & state is causing bloodshed. Before any public official sends their thoughts & prayers, they should ask themselves how the language & behavior they’ve been tolerating has contributed to violence against police,” read another tweet from the union’s account.
Mayor DeBlasio, the members of the NYPD are declaring war on you! We do not respect you, DO NOT visit us in hospitals. You sold the NYPD to the vile creatures, the 1% who hate cops but vote for you. NYPD cops have been assassinated because of you. This isn’t over, Game on! https://t.co/XyruPraM9T
— SBA (@SBANYPD_Archive) February 9, 2020
The angry tweet was directed at the mayor in response to his statement about the two police officers who were shot in separate targeted attacks in the Bronx, with the mayor calling the shooting “a premeditated assassination attempt against New York’s Finest.”
The mayor won office partly on a promise to reform aggressive policing in communities of color, leading de Blasio to implement several measures that critics say are hostile to police.
Two police officers were shot in what officials have called a premeditated attack. A gunman stormed the 41st Precinct in the Bronx on Sunday morning, injuring Officer Paul Stroffolino. Police later said the same shooter, Robert Williams, had allegedly ambushed Bronx cop Jose Gautreaux the night before, leaving him wounded.
Police said Williams, 45 is being charged with attempted murder, criminal weapon possession and resisting arrest.