After police officers stopped a driver for running a red light in Brooklyn Saturday morning, the driver threw a chemical at an officer before rushing off, the New York Police Department tweeted. The driver was stopped again, and he launched a lit Molotov cocktail at officers, fled the scene, and crashed, after which he was arrested and more Molotov cocktails were obtained, authorities announced.
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea remarked that anti-police graffiti appeared in New York City before the attack.
WATCH: UCLA PROTESTORS LOST THEIR MIND CALLING THE UNIVERSITY A VIOLENT INSTITUTION
"Words matter. Earlier this week we said that again after graffiti that proclaimed 'kill cops.' This morning..a Molotov cocktail thrown at an occupied marked police car," he tweeted. "Now more than ever is the time to come together, to move forward together."
WATCH: TRUMP'S ATTORNEY FACING INDICTMENT IN ARIZONA
The Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, which represents more than 50,000 active and retired New York City police officers, issued a statement denouncing the incident.
IS MCDONALD'S BECOMING THE NEW CHAMPION OF AFFORDABILITY?
"Make no mistake: this is the environment that our elected officials have created. This is the violent behavior that their anti-police rhetoric has inspired. Until politicians stop encouraging hatred and violence towards police officers, we must be prepared to face such attacks AT ALL TIMES, both on and off duty," Patrick Lynch, the president of the NYC PBA, announced. "Remain alert and back each other up."
DRAMATIC COURTROOM TWIST: WIFE OF ACCUSED 'CLIFF-DRIVER' MAKES DESPERATE PLEA FOR HUSBAND
In recent weeks, many on the Left have called on local government to implement police reforms due to accusations of racism. Demonstrations and riots have burst out in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center and across the United States in response to the police shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black man who was shot by former officer Kim Potter while trying to escape in his car after officers attempted to apprehend him for an outstanding warrant. Wright's death, along with the deaths of others, such as George Floyd, has urged nationwide protests and discussions regarding the use of force by police through arrests, particularly of black people.
MICHAEL RAPAPORT FURIOUS AFTER SHOW GETS CANCELED
Some demonstrators have thrown Molotov cocktails throughout demonstrations. Kelly Thomas Jackson, 21, was handed a 40-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release after he was convicted of tossing the dangerous devices and burning two law enforcement vehicles on May 30 of last year in a downtown Seattle demonstration that devolved into a riot.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: DAILY CALLER OBTAINS SECRET GAG ORDER
Many localities throughout the U.S. are considering police reform measures amid the heightened tensions between law enforcement and minority communities. Last Saturday, the state of Maryland became the first state to repeal its Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, and the Oregon Legislature is considering 10 police reform bills.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
