New York Gov. Kathy Hochul seemed to depart the funeral home of deceased New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller mere minutes after arriving on Friday afternoon, according to a video.
A video showed the governor interacting with a guy outside the Massapequa Funeral Home on Long Island before turning around and leaving. She left to the sound of clapping.
The event occurred a day after NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong wrote to union members, “I’m sure that many elected officials will attend PO Diller’s funeral, shed a few crocodile tears, and prominently seat themselves for a good photo opportunity.” The terrible truth is that we don’t want them there.
“Their presence is more than a distraction,” Vallelong said. “It is a stain on the legacy of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the scores of dedicated and committed public servants who will carry on his mission despite their constant criticism, cynicism, negativity, and frivolous accusations.”
Former President Trump spoke at Diller’s wake on Thursday, stating, “The Diller family will never be the same; you will never be the same, and we must stop it.” We need to return to law and order.”
Vallelong found it irritating that local officials who had supported initiatives to “defund” police and release criminals from prison were posting politically motivated condolences on social media.
A man with 21 prior offenses fatally shot Diller on Monday during a traffic check in Queens, allegedly shooting him in the stomach as Diller tried to persuade the suspect, Guy Rivera, 34, to leave the vehicle. Rivera opened fire on Diller and his partner at 5:45 p.m. on Monday. The police approached the illegally parked vehicle at a bus stop.
Diller, 31, lived in Massapequa Park with his wife and nearly one-year-old son, Fox News Digital previously reported. He had been with the NYPD for three years until his death.
The officers returned fire, injuring Rivera, who was riding in the passenger seat. Authorities charged him this week with first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a firearm.
Another man in the car at the time of Diller’s death, Lindy Jones, faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon and defacing a weapon.
