One New York City police officer was stabbed in the neck by a male attacker in Brooklyn late Wednesday, as mass protests against police brutality over unarmed African American man enters the eighth day.

According to the police department, the suspect - who has yet to been identified - was shot eight times and was in critical condition after being sent to a hospital. Two other officers were also shot in the chaotic scene.

The stabbing happened at around 11:45 p.m. in the Flatbush neighborhood.

"It appears to be a completely cowardly, despicable, senseless attack on a defenseless police officer," said NYC Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. "Thank God we're not planning a funeral."

Despite this one single incident, it seems the large-scale demonstrations are gradually turned peaceful. Monday has appeared to be a flashpoint, with Chief of Department of New York Police Department took a knee with other protesters in the act of solidarity.

Wednesday marks the third day since the citywide curfew was imposed; residents were required to get home before 8 p.m.

"They have to be off the street. An 8 o'clock curfew — we gave them to 9 o'clock. And there was no indication that they were going to leave these streets," explained Monahan while speaking to reporters in Midtown.

The officer also elaborated that the police are now going all-in for violent clashes. "When we have these big crowds, especially in this area, especially where we've had the looting, no more tolerance."

Many protesters defied the new regulation, with several large groups continuing the demonstration long past the deadline. Officers were quick - quicker than the previous clampdown they enforced before, according to the New York Times - as they shoved protesters onto sidewalks and arrested those who would not disperse.

In a radio interview with WBLS, mayor Bill de Blasio said the new curfew has "a calming impact" and "allow things to get back to a better place."

"There is protest out there," he said, "but it is consistently peaceful."