George Floyd protests in NYC turn violent: Officers punched, pelted, more than 40 people arrested

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New York City police arrested more than 40 demonstrators Thursday evening after violent protests that followed the death of a man in police custody in Minnesota earlier in the week, police said.

Demonstrators turned out to protest the death of George Floyd, who died after an encounter with Minneapolis police on Monday. Video of the incident went viral and has led to protests around the U.S. -- including incidents of looting in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The NYPD told Fox News that multiple officers sustained injuries, including one who was struck in the head with a garbage can and another who was punched in the face.

Some protesters spit at officers -- despite mandates to wear a mask in public and practice social distancing in the city hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

Another protestor attempted to remove an officer's gun from its holster, a police spokesperson told Fox News.

"Peaceful protest is always the best way to protest," the spokesperson urged.

In total, the FDNY confirmed to Fox News four police officers were injured and transported to nearby hospitals.

Police detaining a protesters in New York City as tensions escalated over the death of George Floyd. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

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One woman who was arrested allegedly was carrying a knife, police said.

Some of the protesters hurled bottles at officers, resulting in more than five arrests near Union Square Park, the New York Post reported. As the day went on, the marchers moved downtown and the number of protesters arrested continued to climb, with police confirming that more than 40 people had been arrested by 9:30 p.m.

Those arrested included the individual who allegedly threw a garbage can at an officer's head and another person accused of punching a female NYPD inspector in the chest.

An abundance of videos shared on social media showed protesters clashing with police, as well as scenes of more peaceful marching and chanting.