New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Confronted At Wake Of Slain NYPD Officer

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was confronted while attending the funeral of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.

On Monday, Diller was shot and killed in Queens, New York, during a traffic stop. The suspect, identified as Guy Rivera, had 21 prior arrests. At Diller’s wake, video footage shows Hochul speaking with an unidentified man before being turned away. The video was shared on X.

While it is unclear what was said to Hochul, viewers speculate that funeral attendees felt Hochul’s policies were responsible for Diller’s death. Currently, New York state law only requires bail for serious offenses after a bail reform bill passed after the murder of George Floyd. After enduring much criticism, Hochul fought for and passed a substantial toughing of the law last year.

Many Republicans have criticized Hochul, stating that the law is still too soft on criminals.

Last year, the law Hochul later defended her appearance at Diller’s wake on Saturday.

“People will do what they’re going to do for their own reasons, and I will remain convinced that it was the right thing to do,” she said in a statement. “I would do it again, and that’s my job. My job is to be there when people need me. If they need to talk to me, and they all needed to talk to me, my job is to listen.”

On Thursday, all flags on New York state buildings were flown at half-staff to honor Diller. Hochul made a statement on the same day: “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. Our prayers are with his family, his loved ones and his colleagues in the NYPD as they grieve this tragic and senseless loss.”

Diller’s death sparked more pushback against Hochul’s policies. Former President Donald Trump also attended Diller’s wake, describing his death as “such a sad, sad event, such a horrible thing.”

After attending the wake, Trump bought $200 worth of hamburgers at a Long Island hamburger restaurant.