The leader of a union representing some of New York's finest has warned certain leaders in New York City to avoid the funeral for one of their fallen brothers this coming weekend.
Vincent J. Vallelong, the president of the NYC Sergeants Benevolent Association, had strong words for members of the New York City Council regarding the "completely avoidable death" of 31-year-old NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. "The Council members who are vehemently and inexplicably against public safety are responsible for the carnage in the streets," Vallelong said, according to the New York Post.
On Monday, Diller, a three-year veteran of the force, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Queens, leaving behind a wife, Stephanie, and a 1-year-old child. According to reports, his suspected killer, 34-year-old Guy Rivera, has 21 prior arrests to his name.
A funeral for Diller will be held at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa on Saturday morning. Vallelong worries that city council members might attend the funeral — and perhaps even "shed a few crocodile tears" — because it presents a "good photo opportunity." Villelong claimed their presence at the funeral would be "a stain on the legacy of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice."
