New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced outrage from the family of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller during his wake on Long Island. Despite being told that “his blood is on your hands,” Hochul defended her decision to attend the wake, stating that she would do it again because it is her job. She claimed that she was never told to leave and had been informed by the family that they welcomed her presence at the wake.
During an Easter event in Albany, Hochul told Politico and Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation that she had spoken with Diller’s wife Stephanie and other family members at the wake. She acknowledged the family’s intense emotions, including anger about repeat offenders being released back onto the streets due to controversial bail reform. Hochul, however, did not attend the funeral service for Diller, who was killed during a traffic stop in Queens.
Hochul has faced criticism for being the face of bail reform, which has been blamed for the rise in recidivism among violent criminals. Despite efforts to roll back the reforms, she has not succeeded in reducing the number of violent criminals being released back into society. The main suspect in Diller’s murder, Guy Rivera, has a criminal history with at least 21 prior arrests and a five-year prison sentence.
The governor emphasized that she had worked with the state legislature to change bail laws to give judges more discretion. However, the situation remains complex, with numerous factors contributing to the challenges of keeping crime rates low. Hochul expressed understanding for the anger of the Diller family, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to combat crime, such as her recent deployment of National Guardsmen and law enforcement officers into New York City’s subway system.
Individuals looking to support Officer Jonathan Diller’s family, specifically his one-year-old son Ryan, were encouraged to contribute to the Silver Shield Foundation. The organization, started by late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, assists families of NYPD officers and FDNY firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty. Hochul did not address an incident where a family member confronted her at the wake, criticizing her and demanding changes to the bail laws. Instead, her spokesperson only stated that the governor attended the wake to mourn and offer condolences to the family.
