Democratic New York Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke at the NYPD graduation ceremony Monday morning, during which he was booed by members of the audience. The boos come in the wake of criticism–including from former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former New York State Governor George Pataki– that de Blasio has helped stoke anti-police rhetoric. (VIDEO: Giuliani: Obama, Holder Should Be ‘Ashamed’ For Creating ‘Severe Anti-Police Hatred’ )

This is the third symbolic act by members of the NYPD following the execution of two officers by a man claiming on social media he was seeking revenge for Eric Garner and Michael Brown, two black men killed in police shootings. NYPD officers have also turned their backs on de Blasio during a press conference and during his appearance at one of the murdered officers’ funerals. (VIDEO: Police Officers Turn Against De Blasio At Slain NYPD Officer’s Funeral)

The Blaze’s Steve Krakauer reports another instance of heckling: after a line in his prepared remarks about how police “didn’t create these problems,” an audience member reportedly yelled, “You did!”

Mayor de Blasio speaking live at NYPD graduation: Says “you didn’t create these problems” – someone yells “YOU did.” pic.twitter.com/Fpyj4MC6Hm — Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) December 29, 2014

De Blasio’s office was evidently expecting the boos, given that De Blasio press office quickly emailed reporters with other examples of New York City mayors being booed at previous police graduations.

WATCH: (the booing starts at 30:30)



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