PBA President Patrick Lynch speaks to reporters following the shooting deaths of two NYPD officers in Brooklyn on Dec. 20, 2014. (credit: Sonia Rincon/1010 WINS)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Police union officials blasted Mayor Bill de Blasio Saturday, saying the blood of two NYPD cops who were shot and killed in Brooklyn is on his hands.

“There’s blood on many hands tonight. Those that incited violence on the streets under the guise of protest that tried to tear down what NYPD officers did every day. We tried to warn it must not go on, it cannot be tolerated,” Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said. “That blood on the hands starts at City Hall in the office of the mayor.”

“Those who allowed this to happen will be held accountable,” he added.

The Sergeants Benevolent Association tweeted: “The blood of 2 executed police officers is on the hands of Mayor de Blasio. May God bless their families and may they rest in peace.”

The blood of 2 executed police officers is on the hands of Mayor de Blasio. May God bless their families and may they rest in peace. — SBA (@SBANYPD) December 21, 2014

On Saturday, some officers turned their backs on de Blasio as he walked into the hospital following the shooting deaths of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.

The mayor’s office later issued a statement responding to the PBA, saying, “It’s unfortunate that in a time of great tragedy, some would resort to irresponsible, overheated rhetoric that angers and divides people. Mayor de Blasio understands this is the time when we must come together to support the families and friends of those brave officers New York City lost tonight – and the entire NYPD community.”