New York Gov. Hochul Defends Headscarf at Slain Officer’s Funeral Amid Ted Cruz Criticism

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faced criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz after she wore a headscarf at the funeral of Didarul Islam, a Muslim NYPD officer killed in a Midtown Manhattan mass shooting. Cruz reposted a photo of Hochul at the mosque with a mocking caption questioning why she was wearing a hijab, which Hochul responded to by emphasizing that her head covering was a sign of respect for the fallen officer and the grieving family’s faith. Hochul stated that respecting religious customs is expected of leaders and basic decency, and pointed out that Cruz himself has worn a yarmulke in synagogues, highlighting his hypocrisy. The funeral, held at Islam’s mosque in the Bronx, followed Muslim traditions with separate viewings for men and women and appropriate religious head coverings. The incident sparked backlash against Cruz, with many condemning his remarks as disrespectful and politically motivated, while others defended Hochul’s gesture as an act of compassion and respect. This exchange occurred amid ongoing mourning in New York for the victims of the deadly shooting, underscoring tensions between political figures and public expectations of cultural sensitivity.