Not too long after a man gunned down two officers sitting in their patrol car in New York City, the finger-pointing started.
Ismaaiyl Brinsley walked up to officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos on Saturday, and shot both in the head, killing them. He later used the same gun to commit suicide, authorities said.
Former Gov. George Pataki and police union officials quickly lashed out at Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom they accused of putting officers’ lives at risk.
Police officers followed suit, turning their backs on the mayor when he entered the hospital where the officers were taken
As de Blasio walked in, officers quietly faced the wall.
Ex-governor blames mayor
Pataki put the blame squarely on the mayor and the attorney general.
“Sickened by these barbaric acts, which sadly are a predictable outcome of divisive anti-cop rhetoric of Eric Holder and Mayor de Blasio,” the governor tweeted.
The governor was referring to the two officials’ support for peaceful protesters after the killing of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, two unarmed black men who died in confrontations with officers this year.
Protesters have taken to streets nationwide to demand an end to killings of unarmed people by police officers.
Before the attack, Brinsley made statements on social media implying he planned to kill officers and expressing outrage over the deaths of Garner and Brown.
“There’s blood on many hands tonight,” said Paul Lynch, before making reference to the mayor’s office.
Lynch, the head of New York’s Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, has vehemently attacked the mayor before and did so again the day of the shooting.
De Blasio strongly condemned the the killing of the officers is an “assassination” while Holder described it as a “cowardly attack.”
#BlueLivesMatter Vs. BlackLivesMatter
Not to be outdone, social media users joined the fray.
Users posted vitriol on dueling hashtags — #BlackLivesMatter for Garner and Brown — and #BlueLivesMatter for police supporters.
“Everyone who turned Michael Brown into a saint, the assassination of those cops is on” you, username @mattcale52 tweeted.
David Simpson took a more rational approach.
“So I’m saying #BlackLivesMatter AND #BlueLivesMatter AND #AllLivesMatter,” he tweeted. “Recognize racism, push for justice for all.”
The murders triggered reactions of condemnation and sadness from across the nation. Here are a few:
President Barack Obama
“Two brave men won’t be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day — and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
De Blasio also called the shootings an “assassination.”
“It is an attack on all of us,” he said. “It is an attack on everything we hold dear.”
Eric Holder
“This cowardly attack underscores the dangers that are routinely faced by those who protect and serve their fellow citizens.
“Our nation must always honor the valor — and the sacrifices — of all law enforcement officers with a steadfast commitment to keeping them safe.”
Loretta E. Lynch
Obama’s nominee for attorney general is the current U.S. attorney for the eastern district of New York. She pledged her district’s support in the investigation.
“Today, two have fallen, in a stark reminder of the challenges and risks that our law enforcement officers face every day, both in New York City and throughout our nation,” Lynch said.
Michael Brown’s family
Brown’s family condemned the slayings.
“We reject any kind of violence directed toward members of law enforcement. It cannot be tolerated. We must work together to bring peace to our communities,” they said in a statement.
The Rev. Al Sharpton
“Any use of the names of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, in connection with any violence or killing of police, is reprehensible and against the pursuit of justice in both cases. We have stressed at every rally and march that anyone engaged in any violence is an enemy to the pursuit of justice for Eric Garner and Michael Brown.”
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