Governor Kathy Hochul has come forward to defend her choice of attending the wake of a fallen NYPD officer in Albany, New York. Despite facing accusations of not being welcomed at the Long Island funeral home, she stands by her decision.
During an Easter event at the governor’s mansion, Hochul expressed that she had no regrets about attending the wake on Friday, even though she was approached by a grieving individual as she was leaving.
Hochul defended her decision to attend the wake, stating that people will act according to their own motivations. She emphasized that she firmly believes it was the right thing to do and expressed her willingness to do it again. Hochul sees her role as being present for people when they require her support and being a compassionate listener to their needs.
Less than a week ago, a man sitting in the passenger seat of a running car in Queens shot NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller at close range. The governor’s comments follow this incident.
The murder of Diller has brought heightened focus to the crime-fighting efforts of Mayor Eric Adams and the Democratic governor. This is particularly significant considering that the alleged murderer of the officer, along with his accomplice, both have extensive criminal backgrounds. Governor Hochul has faced backlash from Republicans regarding the state’s bail laws, which restrict bail to only the most severe offenses.
As the governor gears up for reelection in 2026 and focuses on supporting Democrats in crucial House races this year, she has been adopting policies that aim to portray her as strong on crime. This includes the deployment of the National Guard in the subways and highlighting her efforts to reinforce bail laws, even though she faced a decline in support on these matters during her closely contested 2022 election.
She has also attempted to shift the blame for the 2019 bail reform package onto her predecessor, Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom she served as lieutenant governor before he resigned in scandal in 2021.
Despite Hochul’s continuous efforts, she has been facing resistance from Republicans who view her policies as being lenient on crime. The frustration surrounding this issue reached its peak when Diller was murdered and Hochul attended his wake. It is worth noting that the wake had been previously visited by former President Donald Trump.
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler expressed his belief in the importance of honoring the memory of fallen law enforcement officers and supporting the dedication of police officers. He stated that enacting laws that protect victims, penalize criminals, and provide support to law enforcement is the most fitting tribute. Specifically, he emphasized the need to end cashless bail as part of these efforts.
During her short time at Diller’s wake, Hochul showed her respect by saying prayers at the casket and behaving in a very respectful manner.
As she was leaving, a man, who the New York Post identified as a member of the Diller family, approached her. A video captured the intense conversation between the governor and the man as she walked towards her vehicle after her visit. The details of their discussion were not disclosed.
According to Hochul, they always consider the wishes of the families when deciding whether or not to attend a funeral. They prioritize the families’ desires and respect their need for personal grieving. In this particular situation, they reached out to the family and were informed that they were welcome to attend. Hochul emphasized that no one asked them to leave the funeral.
After paying his respects at the funeral home, Trump once again voiced his support for stricter crime laws in his home state of New York.
“We need to prioritize law and order,” stated Trump firmly. “It’s crucial that we strengthen our approach.”
President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to Adams for the officer’s death during a Biden fundraiser. This marked the first time the two had spoken in over a year, as their relationship had become strained due to the ongoing issue of migrant influx in the city. Adams has consistently urged the White House to take stronger measures to address this matter.
Hochul, on her part, expressed her efforts in reversing the state’s bail laws. She highlighted the numerous revisions made in recent years that have caused delays in state budget deals.
During a recent statement, Hochul expressed her views on the bail laws, emphasizing her efforts to revert back to the previous system. “I think everyone is aware of my stance on the bail laws. I have been actively working towards implementing the necessary changes to reinstate the previous framework,” Hochul stated.
But she stressed the significance of attending the wake.
“I spent a considerable amount of time actively listening,” Hochul shared. “When I entered the room, the atmosphere changed as different individuals approached me. It was necessary for me to be present and attentive, as it was crucial for me to hear their perspectives and insights as constituents addressing the governor of New York,” Hochul explained.
