2 officers in New York state charged with felony assault after shoving elderly protester

He said he had talked to both Buffalo mayor and Gugino on the phone, adding that the city should consider firing the officers and "look at the situation for possible criminal charges."

The officers' suspension has aroused strong opposition from their colleagues, as 57 Buffalo officers withdrew from a volunteer tactical unit, according to local newspaper The Buffalo News on Friday.

McCabe and Torgalski were assigned to the unit established for responding to possible riots in George Floyd protests.

John Evans, president of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, told local news channel WIVB-TV that the charges were "totally unwarranted."

The two officers are due back in court on July 20 for a felony hearing. If convicted, they face up to seven years in prison, according to District Attorney Flynn.