The head of the sergeants union is standing by the officer who fatally shot an emotionally disturbed woman in the Bronx.

Ed Mullins directed his fury at Police Commissioner James O'Neill and Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement  saying in part:

"Once again the men and women of the NYPD are being used as political pawns by anointed 'leaders' who care only about themselves and their careers," the statement read. "Sgt. Hugh Barry became the piñata for Commissioner James O’Neill who was rumored to be a 'cops-cop.'"

"Commissioner O'Neill's actions can only be explained as having a lack of courage to stand up against a failing Mayor," the statement continued.

O'Neill says Sergeant Barry "failed" when he opened fired on 66-year-old Deborah Danner in her Castle Hill apartment.

Officials say Danner was armed with a bat when Barry pulled the trigger.

She suffered from schizophrenia, and police had been called to her home four times in the past.

Barry had a Taser, but didn't use it.

He has since been placed on modified duty, and stripped of his badge and gun.

We have reached out to police brass for a response to Mullins comments.