Officer Liu and Ramos were killed in their police cruiser on Saturday.
Nearly a week ago, two New York Police Officers were killed in their police cruiser at an intersection. The deaths of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were recognized by all of the United States. On Friday, a wake is being held for Officer Ramos. Officer Ramos’s funeral service will be held on Saturday in Queens. Officer Liu’s funeral details are currently unknown.
Jet Blue offered free flights to all of the officers’ families to attend the funeral services, including Officer Liu's relatives in China. The airline extended the same offer to U.S. law enforcement agencies, allowing up to two free flights for each agency.
About a hundred family members and friends gathered outside of Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens for Ramos’s wake. Many more are expected to arrive later in the evening for Ramos’s wake and several huge screens were set up outside the church. Speakers will present their eulogies on those screens.
Pastor Ralph Castillo shared a few brief statements about Officer Ramos before the wake, reports CBS.
“Today we weep with the Ramos family, the New York City Police Department and our nation as we mourn the loss of our dear brother. We loved Rafael Ramos. We loved the way he served people, we loved his faithfulness and the way he served people, and we're going to miss him a great deal,” he said.
Ramos was a dedicated member of the church, and a cheerful servant, according to friends and family.
Ismaaiyl Brinsley killed Officers Liu and Ramos last Saturday. Brinsley committed suicide shortly after committing the murders. Before shooting the officers, Brinsley posted threats on social media and referenced Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
Though many leaders in New York City are liberal and have joined in with the public protests against police brutality, the deaths of two NYPD officers changed the atmosphere. New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, asked demonstrators to stop protests until after the officers’ funerals. However, several organizations refuse to let up on demonstrations.
The New York Times reports that some protesters will continue their efforts on Saturday as well, which is the same day as Officer Ramos’s funeral. Other protesters, however, have voiced their thanks and appreciation for their police officers.
New York City Council Member Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, who actively voices her concerns of police brutality, expressed a warmer tone towards officers in a statement.
“We unequivocally support, appreciate and value our police officers, that we condemn any and all violence against them, that we must end hateful and divisive rhetoric which seeks to demonize officers and their work,” she said.
