"Hochul stands by choice to attend wake of slain NYPD officer, asserts: 'No one instructed me to depart.'"

"Hochul stands by choice to attend wake of slain NYPD officer, asserts: 'No one instructed me to depart.'"

"Hochul stands by her attendance at the wake for NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller amid heightened scrutiny over her crime policies, following a confrontation with a mourner."

"Albany, New York — Governor Kathy Hochul justified her choice to attend the wake of a fallen NYPD officer, despite allegations suggesting she was unwelcome at the Long Island funeral home."

"At an Easter event held at the governor's mansion on Saturday, Hochul expressed no remorse for her attendance at the wake on Friday, despite encountering a mourner's confrontation upon her departure."

"People will act according to their own motivations, and I am steadfast in my belief that attending the wake was the correct course of action," remarked Hochul regarding her attendance. "I stand by my decision and would make the same choice again. It's my responsibility to be present when people require support. If they seek to communicate with me, and many did, my duty is to lend an ear and listen."

Less than a week after NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was fatally shot at close range by an individual in a parked car in Queens, Governor Kathy Hochul's remarks come under scrutiny. The tragic event drew heightened attention to the crime-fighting efforts of Mayor Eric Adams and the Democratic governor, particularly given the extensive criminal records of the alleged perpetrator and accomplice. Hochul has faced criticism from Republicans regarding the state's bail laws, which restrict bail for only the most severe offenses.

As she approaches re-election in 2026 and seeks to assist Democrats in key House races this year, Hochul has increasingly pursued policies aimed at portraying her as tough on crime. These efforts include deploying the National Guard to subway stations and highlighting her work to amend bail laws, despite experiencing a decline in support on these issues during her closely contested 2022 election. She has also attempted to attribute the 2019 bail reform package to her predecessor, Governor Andrew Cuomo, under whom she served as lieutenant governor before his scandal-ridden resignation in 2021.

Despite these endeavors, Hochul continues to face opposition for policies perceived as lenient on crime by Republicans. This frustration reached a climax following Diller's murder and Hochul's attendance at his wake, where former President Donald Trump had visited the previous day.

"The best way to honor his memory and acknowledge the heroism of law enforcement officers is to enact laws that protect victims, penalize criminals, and support law enforcement," stated Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.

During her brief presence at Diller's wake, Hochul prayed at the casket and conducted herself with respect. However, upon exiting, she encountered a tense exchange with a man identified as a member of the Diller family. Although Hochul did not disclose the content of their conversation, she emphasized that her attendance was approved by the family.

"We always inquire whether families desire our presence. If they prefer private grieving without political figures, we respect their wishes," Hochul asserted. "In this instance, the family welcomed our attendance. We always confirm before attending, and they welcomed us."

Trump, after his visit to the funeral home, reiterated calls for stricter crime legislation in New York. President Joe Biden also conveyed condolences to Mayor Adams ahead of a fundraiser, marking their first conversation in over a year, amid strained relations over the city's migrant influx.

Hochul reiterated her efforts to amend the state's bail laws, despite facing obstacles in recent years. "I've been advocating for changes to the bail laws," she reiterated. "I'm working to revert to previous regulations."

Nevertheless, Hochul emphasized the importance of attending the wake. "I listened attentively," she remarked. "It was vital for me to offer support and lend an ear to the concerns of New Yorkers during this difficult time."