Hundreds of police officers have repeated the rhetoric from last week and turned their backs on the Mayor Bill De Blasio as he spoke during Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral earlier today.
According to the New York Times, Ramos’ funeral was held at the Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens this morning. The NYPD is currently helping the family of Officer Wenjian Liu with expenses for his family from China to come to the U.S. for his funeral. The Tabernacle streamed the funeral service. Speakers at the funeral included Vice President Joe Biden, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton and Mayor Bill De Blasio. During the mayor’s speech, hundreds of police officers turned their backs to the screens airing the funeral service outside.
Critics have slammed the mayor for allegedly siding with the protesters over police killings. They also believe De Blasio’s support of protesters initiated the mistrust between the people and police officers.
Ramos and Liu were killed by Ismaaiyl Brinsley as they sat in their patrol cars in Brooklyn last Saturday. Brinsley posted photos to his Instagram page about the shooting before taking his own life.
Earlier this week, the mayor continued to face backlash from the NYPD following the killings. A banner flew over the city by retired and current officers that read, “De Blasio Our Backs Have Turned To You.”
Ramos’ son Justin, spoke at the officer’s first service on Friday honoring his father. “Dad, I’m forever grateful of the sacrifices you made to provide for me and [my brother] Jaden,” he said. “My dad would have been there for everyone, and to see so many people here for him is a testament to who he is as a person. It has been so helpful during this time.”
Source: New York Times, YouTube | Photo Credit: Splash News
