The widow of slain New York Police Department Officer Jason Rivera tearfully recalled her childhood love at his funeral Friday, and said she has been living in a “nightmare” since his killing a week ago.
“I would say good morning to you all, but in fact, this is the worst morning ever,” Dominique Luzuriaga told mourners at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.
“I can’t believe I’m standing in front of thousands of people in a cathedral we planned to visit later this year. All of this seems so unreal, like I’m having one of those nightmares that you never thought you’d have.”
Photos: NYPD mourns fallen officers
Photos: NYPD mourns fallen officers
Cardinal Timothy Dolan presides over the funeral service for New York police officer Jason Rivera on Friday, January 28. Rivera, 22, was killed last week while responding to a call.
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A police officer wipes away a tear during Rivera’s funeral on Friday.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during Rivera’s funeral. “We as a city, as a state, and as a nation — we say thank you, Jason. Today our hearts are with his beautiful family,” Adams said. “He’s a hero and our fellow New Yorkers acknowledge that.”
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Police officers attend the funeral inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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Family members touch Rivera’s casket during his funeral.
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A priest hugs Rivera’s wife, Dominique, on Friday.
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Officers gather for Rivera’s funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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A member of the NYPD attends Rivera’s funeral.
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A man holds a picture of Rivera during his funeral service.
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Rivera’s casket arrives at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday, January 27.
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Friends and family hug at Rivera’s wake on Thursday.
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Members of the New York Police Department stand in formation outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral as they attend Rivera’s wake on Thursday.
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Police officers on horseback arrive outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday.
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Rivera’s casket is carried at his wake.
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Hundreds of people attend a vigil for Rivera and his partner, Officer Wilbert Mora, in front of the 32nd Precinct station house in Harlem on Wednesday, January 26.
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A fellow officer can’t hold back his tears as he speaks at the vigil on Wednesday.
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Police officers attend the vigil on Wednesday.
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Police officers hug after Mora’s casket arrived at a funeral home on Wednesday.
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People pay tribute to Mora and Rivera as they watch Mora’s body be moved to a funeral home on Wednesday.
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Police officers salute as Mora’s remains are transferred outside a New York City hospital on Tuesday, January 25.
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Police officers and other members of the community also held a candlelight vigil at the 32nd Precinct on Monday, January 24.
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People participate in Monday’s vigil.
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Rivera’s body is brought into a funeral home on Sunday, January 23.
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Police officers walk from the 32nd Precinct to Harlem Hospital on Sunday, near the scene where the two officers where shot.
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Police officers walk past a sign with a message of support on Sunday.
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A procession for Rivera’s remains makes its way to his funeral on Sunday.
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Police officers and firefighters stand at attention before Rivera’s remains were brought to a funeral home on Sunday.
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Mayor Eric Adams speaks to police officers and firefighters during a vigil at the 32nd Precinct on Saturday, January 22.
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Police officers gather at a vigil on Saturday.
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Police respond to the scene where the officers were shot on January 21.
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Luzuriaga said she is “full of rage and anger, hurt and sad, torn. Although I gained thousands of blue brothers and sisters, I’m the loneliest without you. I know you’re looking at me and beside me telling me I could do this, and I’m trying. Trust me, I am. But I didn’t prepare for this.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan presides over the funeral service for NYPD Officer Jason Rivera inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on January 28, 2022, in New York.
She recalled they met in elementary school. He was the “class clown,” she said, and “there was never a dull moment” with him around.
“We never thought our innocent childhood love would lead us to marriage,” she said. “Even when we said I do, we couldn’t believe we said it. October 9th was the happiest day of our lives.”
Jason Rivera and fellow Officer Wilbert Mora were fatally shot Friday when a suspected gunman opened fire in a Harlem apartment, authorities said. Rivera died the night of the shooting, Mora days later.
The suspect, Lashawn McNeil, tried to run but was confronted and shot by a third officer on the scene and also died days later, police said.
Luzuriaga ended her remarks by turning her attention to the new District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, drawing applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.
“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,” Luzuriaga said. “I’m sure all of our blue family is tired too. But I promise, we promise, that your death won’t be in vain. I love you until the end of time. We’ll take the watch from here.”
Bragg’s new charging, bail, plea and sentencing policies have faced criticism from police union leaders.
A source confirmed to CNN that Bragg was present at the funeral service on Friday. CNN has reached out to Bragg’s office for comment.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called Rivera a hero during his eulogy at Rivera’s funeral.
“We as a city, as a state, and as a nation — we say thank you, Jason. Today our hearts are with his beautiful family,” Adams said. “He’s a hero and our fellow New Yorkers acknowledge that.”
Adams said Rivera was the first person in his family to become a police officer and said he was an example of how first-generation New Yorkers and children of immigrants help shape the city.
“We care about each other — that’s what makes this city possible, along with the courage of officers like Jason Rivera. The hearts of 8.8 million people are reaching out in mourning today and we will ensure everything within our powers to not lose our family members through this senseless violence,” Adams said.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch also spoke at Rivera’s funeral and echoed Adams’ sentiments.
“He’s not a hero because of the way he died, he’s a hero because of the way he lived. He’s a hero not because he had a shield in his pocket, but because he had a shield in his soul,” Lynch said.
