Counter-protests were also launched in support of police , specifically for the NYPD . On December 19 , during a New York City protest about the grand jury decision , supporters of the NYPD held a counter-demonstration , wearing shirts with the phrase , " I can breathe , thanks to the NYPD " , on them , holding signs with phrases like " Bluelivesmatter " , and chanting , " Do n't resist arrest . " On December 20 , two NYPD officers were killed in an ambush in Bedford – Stuyvesant , Brooklyn . The suspected gunman , Ismaaiyl Brinsley , cited Garner 's death at the hands of police ( as well as that of Michael Brown ) as reasons to kill police officers . Brinsley then entered the New York City Subway and committed suicide
two NYPD officers were killed
2014 killings of NYPD officers
Death of Eric Garner