More than 350 NYPD officers were hurt over two weeks of protests in the five boroughs, stemming from the death of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers.
Most officers avoided serious injuries, but several were hospitalized after being targeted in brutal attacks.
NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Ben Tucker explained that officers have been hit by cars, bricks, fire extinguishers and glass bottles. He said one officer was hit so hard by a brick that it cracked his riot helmet.
Police officials have blamed a majority of the violence on extremist groups — including anarchists, white supremacists and Islamic terrorist groups — who are using the demonstrations to stoke tension and create chaos.
Officers have also been stabbed and shot at. Molotov cocktails were thrown at NYPD vehicles during the first few days of demonstrations.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said it was pure luck that no cops have been killed.
But Shea has also apologized for the part officers have played in the violence.
Floyd's alleged murder dramatically increased scrutiny on officers who use excessive force. Cops in many cities, including New York, have been caught acting aggressively against peaceful protesters.
Shea said last week that his department was reviewing several videos of officers attacking protesters. On Tuesday, the department announced assault charges against an officer who violently shoved a 20-year-old woman to the curb in Brooklyn.
The woman, Dounya Zayer, hit her head on the concrete and began having a seizure on the street, but no officers stopped to help her.
On Wednesday, Mayor de Blasio announced that the NYPD was investigating a case where a 16-year-old from the Bronx was allegedly beaten by officers and tasered three times, in the head, shoulders and leg.
Officers reportedly suspected Jahmel Leach of looting and arson, but no merchandise was found on him and his family denies the accusation.
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