Tensions are rising between New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD. During his speech in honor of a fallen NYPD officer, Rafael Ramos, a disgruntled group of officers turned their backs in solitude against the mayor.
Via ABC News
Hundreds of police officers turned their backs on a screen showing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as he spoke at the funeral of one of two officers killed last week in what has been called an “assassination.”
The funeral at the Christ Tabernacle Church, in the Glendale neighborhood of Queens, was broadcast to thousands of police who gathered outside.
The killing of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu came amid heightened tensions between the police and the mayor over what some police saw as a lack of support for the force.
Sgt. Myron Joseph of the New Rochelle Police Department said he and fellow officers turned their backs spontaneously to “support our brothers in the NYPD.”
The NYPD said through its public relations office that it had no comment.
In his speech, however, the mayor tried to reach out to police after address Ramos’ widow and children. “[I] extend my condolences to another family — the family of the NYPD — that is hurting so deeply right now,” the mayor stated.
Tensions between De Blasio and police force rose after the mayor statements regarding police relations with minorities. He further elaborated on having to speak with his biracial son about the potential dangers he may face if racially profiled by law enforcement.
The mayor’s statements came after city-wide protests by citizens after a decision to not indict an officer believed to be responsible for the death of Eric Garner — an African American Staten Island resident attacked by police this past summer. Garner was choked after an attempt to arrest him for suspicion of selling loose cigarettes.
It was ruled that the police tactics, specifically choking Garner, was a result of his death. Nonetheless, the officer in the case was not charged for the assault — creating more tension and distrust between police and the African American community.
Sadly, tensions continue to rise as the NYPD said goodbye to two of their own after a loose mad man fatally shot and killed the two officers, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, while stationed in their police vehicle.
