The president of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association has called the execution-style murder of two New York police officers on Saturday "an act of domestic terrorism."

In a statement on the PBA's website, President Patrick Colligan blames elected leaders for not offering more support to police in protests around the country about the decisions reached by grand juries in the Mike Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri and the chokehold death of Eric Garner in Staten Island.

"The attack on these officers is nothing less then an act of domestic terrorism spurred on by so much recent hatred aimed at officers everywhere," wrote Colligan, who says the protests have gone "unchecked."

Colligan also extended sympathy to the families Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.

"Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the officers killed today. These two officers did what so many of us due everyday when we put on our uniform, leave our families behind, and look to help the communities we serve," Culligan wrote on the PBA's website.

PBA Executive Vice President Marc Kovar wrote  in an email to members Sunday morning that all members and officers should take extra caution and change up routines in the coming weeks. He cites heightened hostility from nationwide protests that he says has led to a "fever pitch of anti-police sentiment."

On the New Jersey State Police Twitter feed, troopers offered their support for the NYPD. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters of the #NYPD," police tweeted along with an image of a blue line in memory of the fallen officers.

In the wake of the New York shootings, Newark Police ordered their officers to pair up on patrols. James Stewart, president of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police, told NJ.com, "In the climate we face today there is nothing more important. We are happy the Director agrees with our view and is putting the safety of the men and women in the street above all else."

NJ PBA President Patrick Culligan's statement:

"Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the officers killed today. These two officers did what so many of us due everyday when we put on our uniform, leave our families behind, and look to help the communities we serve. The attack on these officers is nothing less then an act of domestic terrorism spurred on by so much recent hatred aimed at officers everywhere. Our society stands safer because of the sacrifices officers make everyday, but the hatred that has grown over the past few weeks in this country has gone unchecked by many elected leaders. We all need to stand up, speak up, and oppose those who attack our law enforcement everywhere. Today is a tragic day and change must come to the American debate."

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