New York Gov. Kathy Hochul received an unwelcome reception during her fifteen-minute visit to the wake of slain New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller.
Hochul attended the 31-year-old officer’s wake for just 15 minutes at the Massapequa Funeral Home on Long Island.
The Governor could be seen speaking with an unidentified man in a black suit, who appeared agitated during the wake.
When Hochul left, people applauded, the Post reported.
According to one witness, Hochul was having an “animated” conversation with Diller’s 29-year-old widow, who looked like she was “telling [Hochul] off.”
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“It didn’t look like the widow had a kind word to say,” the person said.
But another source said the conversation was “brief” and “respectful,” adding, “She was not asked to leave.”
During an Easter-related event in Albany, New York, on Saturday, the Governor claimed no one had told her to leave.
“I said prayers at the casket, and it was very respectful,” she said.
Hochul ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff to honor Diller, who was shot to death last week.
“New Yorkers are in mourning over the loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, a heroic young man who dedicated his life to public safety and serving the people,” she said in a statement.
“Our prayers are with his family, his loved ones, and his colleagues in the NYPD as they grieve this tragic and senseless loss.”
Diller was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on March 25.
Guy Rivera was charged in the officer’s death.
He had a rap sheet that included 21 prior arrests.
When Diller instructed Rivera to exit the vehicle, he drew a firearm and shot the officer.
Diller was later declared dead after being rushed to Jamaica Hospital.
Stephanie Diller delivered a powerful eulogy during his wake, calling for significant reforms in New York’s criminal justice system.
“How many more police officers and how many more families have to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start protecting them?” the officer’s widow asked.
Diller also leaves behind a 1-year-old son, Ryan.
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