Videos of New York Governor Kathy Hochul being allegedly turned away from the wake of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller have gone viral online. The clips show Hochul speaking with an unidentified man outside the wake, with speculation arising over the reason for her supposed ejection from the event. Some X users believe attendees may have been upset over progressive policies they associate with Diller’s death at the hands of Guy Rivera, who was charged with first-degree murder this week. Rivera had 21 prior arrests and allegedly shot Diller during a traffic stop in Queens after being asked to exit an illegally parked vehicle.
Former Republican Representative Lee Zeldin criticized Hochul for attending the wake, stating that she should prioritize law-abiding citizens and law enforcement over criminals. Despite this backlash, Hochul had ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in Diller’s honor and expressed condolences for his tragic and senseless death. The wake was attended by family, fellow officers, and politicians, including New York Mayor Eric Adams and former President Donald Trump, who both spoke with reporters outside the venue. Trump emphasized the importance of supporting the police and preventing such tragedies from occurring.
The incident involving Hochul at the wake has sparked significant controversy and conversation on social media platforms. One video of the encounter has been viewed over 1.4 million times, with users speculating about the motivations behind Hochul being allegedly turned away. There is no audio available of the conversation between Hochul and the unidentified man, leaving the exact nature of the interaction open to interpretation. Newsweek reached out to Hochul’s press team for clarification on the incident, but it remains unclear whether she actually left the vicinity following the conversation.
The tragic death of Jonathan Diller has brought attention to issues surrounding law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety in New York. The circumstances of Diller’s shooting and the subsequent events at his wake have fueled debates about the role of progressive policies in policing, the treatment of criminals, and the honoring of fallen officers. While opinions on these matters vary widely, the common ground among many is the recognition of the sacrifice and service of law enforcement officers like Diller, whose dedication to public safety is acknowledged by leaders from different political backgrounds.
Overall, the incident involving Governor Hochul at Jonathan Diller’s wake highlights the complex and contentious issues surrounding law enforcement, crime, and public policy in New York. The response to Hochul’s presence at the wake reflects divergent views on these issues, with some praising her for honoring a fallen officer and others criticizing her for perceived support of progressive policies. As the debate continues, the focus remains on remembering and honoring the service and sacrifice of officers like Diller, whose tragic death serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those working to protect and serve their communities.
