The city streets were packed with protesters Saturday to demand justice in the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died following an arrest where a white police officer kneeled on his throat in Minneapolis.

Police sources tell News 12 that 345 people were arrested overnight and 47 police vehicles were vandalized amid another night of unrest across the city. They say 33 members of service were injured.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also addressed an NYPD patrol car seen driving into protesters, saying he wished the officer hadn't done that but that the car was being attacked and had to get away.

The mayor and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea announced Sunday an independent review of the recent spurs of violence at protests over the death of George Floyd.

The mayor has named Corporation Counsel Jim Johnson and DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnet to lead the review. Both say they want their review to lead to the strengthening of ties between the community and law enforcement.

Shea says he knows some officers reacted emotionally to protesters, and that it will be addressed, but says the vast majority of officers acted with restraint and professionalism.

 

 

 

New York Sen. Gustavo Rivera responded to Shea's tweets, calling him tone deaf and criticized the behavior of the NYPD.

"Accountability starts at the top. Go back and watch some of the videos and then come back to discuss who is in 'persistent danger,' he says.

 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the mayor's comments "unacceptable" in a series of tweets.

"Defending and making excuses for NYPD running SUVs into crowds was wrong. Make it right. De-escalate," she tweeted.

 

 

 

 

News 12’s Phil Taitt was on Bedford and Snyder avenues where there was a standoff between protesters and police officers. As police were trying to block off the area, scuffles broke out and several protesters were arrested. An NYPD vehicle was also set on fire.

News 12’s Phil Taitt was on Bedford and Snyder avenues where there was a standoff between protesters and police officers. As police were trying to block off the area, scuffles broke out and several protesters were arrested.

An NYPD vehicle was also set on fire.

President Trump took to Twitter to voice his support for the NYPD

Video of Floyd’s arrest has been widely seen. The 46-year-old black man was handcuffed and face down while a white police officer had him pinned down by his neck for about eight minutes. Four officers were fired over the incident, and one, Derek Chauvin, was charged with murder and manslaughter.