Anti-police sentiment has led to the arrest of a man who hurled a lit Molotov cocktail and bleach at New York Police Department officers, before fleeing and crashing his vehicle.
The NYPD tweeted Saturday:
“When cops in Brooklyn stopped a car this AM for running a red light, the driver threw a chemical at our officer before speeding off. Stopped again, the driver threw a lit Molotov cocktail at cops & fled before crashing. The man was arrested & more Molotov cocktails were recovered”
The NYPD also tweeted, sharing officer body camera video of the bleach attack:
“Today, a vehicle stop for running a red light proved once again that no traffic enforcement is ‘routine.’ When approached, the driver doused a cop with a chemical before fleeing, tossing a Molotov cocktail — and finally being arrested. Fortunately, our officers weren’t injured.”
The incident was “inspired” by “anti-police rhetoric” in Congress, a police union and retired cop said.
“Make no mistake: This is the environment that our elected officials have created,” a Police Benevolent Association statement read, CBS2-N.Y. reported.” This is the violent behavior that their anti-police rhetoric has inspired.”
Retired NYPD sergeant Johnny Nunez echoed the condemnation of anti-police lawmakers.
“The political rhetoric going around, I think it’s a dangerous thing that’s happening right now,” Nunez told CBS2. “You’re talking about a Molotov cocktail, talking about a liquid, possible chemical that could disfigure someone.”
The suspect was identified as Lionel Virgile of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and he faces a federal arson charge and other state charges, according to the report.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted Saturday:
“This is another reminder of how quickly a situation can change & the dangers your cops face every day while they’re protecting NYers.
“Even after arrest, the investigation into this attack remains active.
“And your NYPD cops will not relent in their mission to keep you safe.”
Source: Newmax
