Peaceful protests in Philadelphia turned into riots after police sprayed gas at protesters yesterday, Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Things have been heated throughout the city, though they were moments of harmony during Monday’s protests. The Mayor of the city described it as “one of the biggest crises in the city’s history.” 

However, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale completely diminished the work of the Black Lives Matter movement by labeling them a”left-wing hate group” in an open letter shared to social media pages on Tuesday morning.

“What we saw this weekend in Philadelphia was not a protest – it was a riot. In fact, nearly every major across the nation was ravaged by looting, violence, and arson,” he said. “The perpetrators of this urban domestic terror are radical left-wing hate groups like Black Lives Matter, This organization, in particular, screams racism not to expose bigotry and injustice, but to justify the lawless destruction of our cities and surrounding communities.”

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris called out Gale immediately. “This statement and your whole press release at that is disgusting to read. RESIGN” Harris wrote.

quoted Harris’ tweet, writing, “True colors… welcome to PA!” 

Along with the open letter, Harris shared a petition to sign demanding for Joe Gale’s resignation.