New York, US: Shockwaves rippled through New York this weekend after Texas Senator Ted Cruz publicly questioned Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to wear a headscarf at the funeral of a fallen Muslim NYPD detective—prompting a fierce response from the Governor and a broader discussion on respect, religious customs, and political hypocrisy.
The Controversy Unfolds
During an emotional funeral service in the Bronx for Detective First Grade Didarul Islam, who was killed in a tragic Midtown Manhattan shooting earlier this week, Governor Hochul sat among officers, grieving relatives, and community members at the Parkchester Jame Masjid. Observing Islamic tradition, Hochul donned a headscarf—a simple sign of respect for the slain officer’s faith and his devastated family.
However, images of the Governor wearing the scarf quickly surfaced online, where an anonymous post asked, “Why in TF is the Governor of New York wearing a [expletive] hijab?!” Senator Ted Cruz retweeted, adding a dismissive “Um, wut?”—and igniting a firestorm of criticism from across the political spectrum.
Governor Hochul’s Unflinching Response
Governor Hochul did not hesitate to set the record straight. On social media, she wrote:
“I wore a headscarf to honor a fallen Muslim NYPD officer at his funeral. Respecting a grieving family’s faith is ‘wut’ leaders and anyone with basic decency would do.”
Her response drew a wave of support from faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, who saw her actions as an example of empathy—and Cruz’s remark as a clear instance of ignorance and disrespect.
Notably, Hochul’s office declined further comment, letting her direct statement stand as a rebuke to what many considered a crude attempt at partisan point-scoring amid grief.
Calls for Apology and Accusations of Hypocrisy
The Texas and New York chapters of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) quickly demanded an apology from Senator Cruz, labeling his comment as “despicable and disrespectful conduct,” and accusing him of amplifying anti-Muslim hate at a time when sensitivity was needed most.
Critics also pointed out a double standard: photos from Cruz’s own campaign trail in 2016 surfaced, showing him respectfully wearing a yarmulke—the traditional Jewish head covering—while visiting a Brooklyn synagogue. Online commentators noted that politicians of all stripes, including Cruz himself, have often donned religious attire out of respect while visiting houses of worship, whether synagogues, churches, or mosques.
A Community in Mourning
The slain detective, Didarul Islam, was a Bangladeshi American immigrant, devoted father of two with another child on the way, and a respected member of the 47th precinct in the Bronx. His death, alongside three others in the devastating Midtown office shooting, left the city reeling. Thousands gathered for his funeral—including Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who also wore headscarves alongside Governor Hochul and several female elected officials.
Paying tribute, the Governor urged New Yorkers to show “greater gratitude toward our police force,” vowing to support the department and the families who sacrifice so much for the city’s safety.
The National Conversation
Beyond New York, the episode has reignited debate over religious tolerance, cultural respect, and the responsibilities of public officials at times of tragedy. Faith leaders and commentators emphasized how respect for diverse customs is an essential part of public service—highlighting the importance of gestures like Hochul’s, especially in a city as multicultural as New York.
Meanwhile, Cruz, doubling down, issued a puzzling follow-up suggesting that Hochul “should wear a hijab every day because you are so damn decent,” before veering into broader commentary about “the rights of women in New York.” The meaning of his remark was widely questioned, with many viewing it as an attempt to shift focus from the initial insensitivity.
The Takeaway
This incident, set amid grief and remembrance for a slain police officer, became an unexpected flashpoint in America’s ongoing conversation about inclusion and respect. While emotions ran high, many New Yorkers found unity in the Governor’s example—asserting that, especially in moments of pain, empathy and dignity must prevail over division and derision.
As the family of Detective Islam mourns their tremendous loss, one message resonates above the politics: honoring the beliefs of others is not weakness—it is the true mark of decency and democratic values.
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