(Left) Police officers turn their backs as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks. (Top right) Commissioner Bratton on “Face The Nation”. (Bottom right) New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, right, and his wife Chirlane McCray leave Christ Tabernacle Church following funeral services.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s police commissioner says it was “very inappropriate” for officers to turn their backs on the mayor in a sign of disrespect as he spoke at an officer’s funeral.
Commissioner William Bratton appeared Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and defended Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH’-zee-oh). He says de Blasio is “totally supportive” of officers.
On Saturday, hundreds of police officers standing outside the church where Officer Rafael Ramos’ funeral was held turned their backs as de Blasio eulogized him.
Ramos and his partner were shot and killed a week ago in a brazen daylight attack on their patrol car. The mayor has been portrayed by some critics as too supportive of protesters who have been criticizing police.
Bratton also spoke on NBC’s “Meet The Press.”