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End of Defund The Police movement? Jason Rivera's death makes NYPD critics switch tunes

Supporters of Defund The Police movement, who had once spoken against the police force, are now seen praising and supporting them

Jason Rivera, a 22-year-old police officer, was shot dead by a domestic violence suspect in Manhattan on January 21. Rivera, who had attended a domestic violence call out alongside Wilbert Mora, was shot by the suspect, leading to his death. On the other hand, Mora was injured and is currently in critical condition. The suspect, who has been identified as Lashawn McNeil, was later shot in the neck and shoulder by another accompanying officer.

Advocates, who were formerly staunch supporters of the Defund the Police movement, are seen changing their tunes post Rivera's death. Critics who had once spoken against the police force, are now seen praising and supporting them. The movement started in May 2020 after George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin. Demands to defund the police or replace them started rising as the movement gained momentum. Many public figures and critics spoke out in support of the movement at that time, but now since the movement has become stagnant, the same people are seen singing a different tune, especially after the death of Jason Rivera.

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Public Advocate Jumaane Williams who had claimed, "By just saying we’re hiring additional police officers I think is sending the wrong message," in June 2020, now says, "These men answered a plea for help, both risked and one lost their life, all while trying to protect another New Yorker’s safety as countless officers across our city do each day." Comptroller Brad Lander had in June 2020 said, “It is time to defund the police and reimagine our public safety infrastructure." But now his statement says, "A 22-year-old NYPD officer has died and another is fighting for his life. Praying for his recovery. Our hearts are with their loved ones and colleagues."

Shahana Hanif, who had said, "More police won’t keep us safe," changed her tune to, "Heartbroken by last night’s shooting in Harlem, and the violent start to the year." State Attorney General Letitia James had proudly said, "We need to talk about the history of policing, which is embedded in racism, going back to the slave trade, the slave code, black code, et cetera," but now feels, "All of New York is in mourning over the death of NYPD officer Jason Rivera. We pray for his family and for Officer Wilbert Mora, who was also injured last night."

Robert Carroll went from, "Our streets have been over-policed & black/brown Americans over criminalized", to "RIP Officer Jason Rivera. Your service will not be forgotten. As New Yorkers, we need to come together as one." Similarly, council member Kristin Richardson Jordan, who believed that "NYPD is still the biggest gang in New York City," now said, "I am saddened; a loss of one is a loss to the whole, as it creates ripples and ripples of pain."

This sudden change seems very convenient, considering the movement is not as active as before at the moment. NYPD's tweet for Rivera said, "Tonight, we mourn the loss of a hero officer — a son, husband, and friend. Only 22 years old, Police Officer Jason Rivera was murdered in the line of duty. We vow to #NeverForget Jason as his fellow Finest vow to honor his tremendous legacy of service & the ultimate sacrifice."