Governor Kathy Hochul’s presence at the wake of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller was met with tension and swift departure, according to reports. Within a mere 10 minutes of her arrival, Hochul encountered a hostile reception, marked by a shouted demand for her removal from the premises. As she made her way back to her car, Hochul found herself engaged in an emotionally charged exchange with a man, purportedly expressing discontent.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Officer Diller’s demise cast a somber pall over the event. Diller, aged 31, was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop of an illegally parked vehicle earlier in the week. The alleged perpetrator, Guy Rivera, 34, possessed a lengthy criminal record with 21 prior arrests, and now faces charges of murder.
Former President Donald Trump also made an appearance at the wake to pay his respects and subsequently addressed the gathered mourners. Trump emphasized the valor of law enforcement personnel, expressing a sentiment that there should be lessons drawn from such tragedies, advocating for bolstering support and protection for officers. However, his remarks faced criticism from some quarters, including MSNBC, which accused Trump of politicizing the officer’s death.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, who happened to be in New York City for a high-profile fundraiser, did not attend the service in Queens. It remains uncertain whether Biden reached out to the Diller family directly during his time in the city. However, his spokesperson confirmed that Biden had a conversation with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to extend his support.
As preparations are made for Officer Diller’s funeral scheduled for Saturday, inquiries to Governor Hochul’s office regarding the incident were met with silence, leaving questions lingering in its wake.