Group lashes out at 'animal' protesters as they vow to 'turn Facebook blue' to support cops

"Turn Facebook Blue" -- a pro-police group on the social medium Facebook -- has called for people who unquestioningly support police departments around the country to "turn your Facebook profile blue in silent respect."

In a post dated Dec. 22 at 3 p.m., event host Tara Lynn wrote, "Let's show these animals how a protest is done the RIGHT way."

"If you are an officer, family or friend of an officer, or simply want to show support the police, turn your Facebook profile blue in silent respect! Any law enforcement photo will do! We don't descriminate!![sic]" the post read.

"I do this job to SERVE & PROTECT, and while seeing all the anti-police stories, I continue to go to work every day. Why? Because it's my duty to serve and protect without prejudice," Lynn continued. "Regardless of what my personal opinions may be."

The post concluded, "To my brothers and sisters behind the badge, stay on guard, respond in pairs whenever possible, and never get complacent! We will win this war of good vs. evil. May those who choose to act out of hatred and evil reap what they sow. Maybe one day they'll understand our hardships and our suffering during this trying time."

The invitation to join the event -- which features a cover photo that reads "Blue lives matter" -- went out to 185,000 people. As of press time, 22,000 Facebook members have responded positively.

"I'M FULLY ONBOARD!![sic]" replied one user.

Another responded with a banner that reads, "The thin blue line is stronger than the seed of evil that is planting itself."

Not everyone is in agreement, however. One user pointed out, "Facebook is already blue...like literally everything on it is blue come on."

Another person replied, "You lost me at 'these animals.' I'm guessing you mean human beings and fellow Americans. How about we protest racism and ignorance?"

The vicious murder of two police officers in New York City on Saturday has polarized many in the country.

Some people charge that the shooting is the direct result of anti-police sentiment in the wake of the killings of unarmed teen Michael Brown and New Yorker Eric Garner, who was strangled to death by police during an arrest for selling untaxed cigarettes on the street.

Others argue that it is a constitutional right of Americans to protest injustice. Protesters and their supporters say that it is the duty of citizens to speak up against the increased militarization of U.S. police forces and the seemingly arbitrary killings of black men and boys by out-of-control cops.