NYPD Det. Jason Rivera's Widow Criticizes Manhattan DA's Policy Changes During Eulogy
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The somber funeral for slain NYPD Det. Jason Rivera took a political turn Friday when his grieving widow slammed the Manhattan District Attorney.
As CBS2's Marcia Kramer reported, it was an emotional funeral for a fallen hero who was a victim of the pandemic of gun violence that has engulfed New York City.
Slain cop Jason Rivera's widow cried over her lost love in a heart-wrenching eulogy and called out Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, whose commitment to going after the perpetrators of gun crimes has been called into question.
"The system continues to fail us. We are not safe anymore, not even the members of the service. I know you were tired of these laws, especially the ones from the new DA. I hope he's watching you speak through me right now," Dominique Luzuriaga said.
The crowd at the funeral stood and applauded the remarks, which prompted a quick response from the DA, who said he was praying for her husband and his partner Wilbert Mora.
WATCH: NYPD Det. Rivera's Widow Delivers Eulogy At St. Patrick's Cathedral
"Violence against police officers will never be tolerated," Bragg said. "My office will vigorously prosecute cases of violence against police and work to prevent senseless acts like this from ever happening again."
Gov. Kathy Hochul said hearing the young widow's comments about the criminal justice system brought her to tears.
"It's heartbreaking to see the riveting pain that young widow was experiencing," Hochul said.
Bragg's attitude toward crime and his memo outlining prosecutorial policies, such as not seeking pre-trial detention except for the most violent cases, is of such great concern to the governor that, despite the funeral and winter storm bearing down on New York, she met with Bragg to discuss the need for the prosecutor to address public safety concerns.
"We need to do more to protect public safety. We need alignment with our men and women in uniform because they're out there putting their lives on the line to keep us safe," Hochul said.
The governor says that can be done while also making the justice system fairer. She called her meeting with Bragg "productive."
Watch Marcia Kramer's report
Hochul, who's running for reelection and is apparently concerned about not alienating Bragg's base, said she understands the DA's concerns about shortcomings in the criminal justice system.
She insisted public safety and fairness, "are not mutually exclusive objectives. We have to work with our law enforcement, give them the respect, the resources they need."
Hochul has said she is prepared to use her powers to force Bragg to reverse his soft on crime policies.
Bragg said his conversations with the governor included the importance of accountability, preventing shoplifting by breaking up burglary rings, keeping trains safe and reducing gun violence.
He released the following statement --
"This afternoon I met with Governor Hochul to discuss our shared vision for public safety and commitment to enforce the law. Our conversation included the importance of accountability, preventing shoplifting by breaking up burglary rings, keeping the trains safe, deterring brazen conduct and reducing gun violence. I'll be working in partnership with her and in close coordination with the NYPD, the Mayor and other local partners toward our common goal - protecting the people and businesses of Manhattan and keeping all New Yorkers safe."
The governor also released a statement --
"My highest priority is protecting the safety of New Yorkers. I met with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg today and we had a productive conversation. I reiterated my belief that safety and justice must go hand-in-hand. I will continue to work with all of our District Attorneys, Mayor Adams, the NYPD, and every New Yorker who is working to restore our sense of security and enforce our laws."
Bragg said he is willing to work with Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD to protect the people and businesses of Manhattan.
CBS2's Andrea Grymes contributed to this report.
