New York Governor Kathy Hochul was asked to leave the wake of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller amidst the scene of public disapproval by law enforcement officers. Officer Diller, 31, was tragically killed in the line of duty in Queens during a routine traffic stop by a known felon.
Sources present at the wake reported that Governor Hochul, who was only inside the venue for a brief ten-minute period, was confronted by a man dressed in a black suit. The details of the exchange remain unclear, but it was enough to prompt her departure from the service.
The moment she exited, several NYPD officers stationed outside the funeral home broke into applause—a gesture that was seen as an unmistakable sign of their dissatisfaction with the governor’s presence.
Hochul and fellow Democrat legislators have faced backlash following Diller’s death, particularly concerning bail reform policies.
WATCH:
Before the weekend services, Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent J. Vallelong wrote a harsh letter warning City Council members not to attend according to The New York Post.
“Their presence is more than a distraction. It is a stain on the legacy of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Vallelong argued, adding that the leaders should feel “morally responsible” for the officer’s killing.
REACTIONS:
I’m glad that they didn’t allow her to milk this tragedy for her photo ops.
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) March 29, 2024
This is the best news I have seen today
NY’s governor has supported laws that give criminals slaps on the wrist and allow them to walk free, almost always no bail!
The man who killed that poor officer had crime after crime on his rap sheet!
How these people are allowed to walk…
— Common Sense Custodian (@Wall_St_Custo) March 29, 2024
Can you blame them for not wanting her there?
Her policies are the reason this happened.
— Ryan Tyre 🇺🇸 (@ryantyre) March 29, 2024
Hochul before arriving wake for fallen NYPD officer. pic.twitter.com/87rDMNzeYy
— KingAlex 🇺🇸 🏴☠️ (@0xKingAlex) March 29, 2024
God Bless that man. I hope he blasted her good. She deserves it.
— Whirley (@WhirlaWhirla1) March 29, 2024
