The NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association issued a scathing letter, rebuking far-left Democratic leaders in New York City for their anti-police and lenient stance on crime policies, and advising them to refrain from attending the funeral of slain Officer Jonathan Diller.
The 31-year-old father tragically passed away on Monday after a violent ex-convict with 21 prior arrests allegedly shot him in the stomach as police approached the car where the suspect was seated in the passenger seat.
“I’m sure that many elected officials will attend PO Diller’s funeral, shed a few crocodile tears, and prominently seat themselves for a good photo opportunity,” SBA President Vincent Vallelong wrote in a letter to union members. “The sad reality is we don’t want them there.”
That said, the union and the family of the slain officer invited former President Donald Trump to attend, which he agreed to do.
Separately, his campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, “President Trump is moved by the invitation to join NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller’s family and colleagues as they deal with his senseless and tragic death.”
Vallelong expressed frustration at city politicians who have backed movements to “defund” the police and advocated for the release of criminals, yet offered politically motivated condolences on social media.
“Their presence is more than a distraction,” Vallelong continued. “It is a stain on the legacy of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the scores of dedicated and committed public servants who will carry on his mission despite their constant criticism, cynicism, negativity, and frivolous accusations.”
In an interview with the New York Post, the union leader went further, specifically naming City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
“They detest cops and have no appreciation for what they do,” he told the paper. “They should stay home and not pretend they are grieving.”
When Williams wrote on X about Diller’s death earlier this week, many of the replies contained harsh criticism.
“I like how this post doesn’t address the need to get criminals off our streets,” one user replied.
In 2020, Williams, a former City Council member elected as the city’s public advocate in 2019, identified as a democratic socialist and advocated that $1 billion in NYPD budget cuts fell short of adequately “defunding” the police.
