Following Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s preliminary decision to not fire Lt. Jonathan Rivera, Allan Feliz’s family alongside several community organizations took to the streets calling for the officer’s firing on July 11.
The family and supporters gathered in front of the New York City Police Department Headquarters the Friday following Tisch’s decision, voicing their opinions regarding the decision and urging the commissioner to change her mind. The decision came as a shock to the family who received news of Tisch’s choice to go against NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rosemarie Maldonado’s guilty verdict on July 3.
“It was a slap in the face,” said Ashley Verdeja, Allan’s sister.
Samy Feliz, brother of Allan, stands in front of One Police Plaza. (Damaso Reyes photos) 
Samy Feliz, brother of Allan, attempted to enter One Police Plaza to hand deliver a letter to the Police Commissioner. (Damaso Reyes photos) 
Ashley Verdeja, sister of Allan, called the commissioner’s decision a “slap in the face.” (Damaso Reyes photos) 
State Senator Julia Salazar called for Lt. Jonathan Rivera to be fired. (Damaso Reyes photos) 
Protesters made their voices heard. (Damaso Reyes photos)
Various community organizations took a stand against Tisch’s decision, joining the Feliz family in their rally. Local community organizations spoke at the rally in support as well as government officials, including State Senator Julia Salazar.
“While Mr. Feliz’s family has been grieving his loss and fighting for accountability, Jonathan Rivera got away with murder and got a promotion. That’s not justice, that’s corruption. I’m calling on the commissioner to immediately reverse her decision, and fire Lt. Rivera,” said Salazar in her speech at the rally.
As the mayoral election approaches, the question of whether Tisch will stay in her job remains in the air. Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani has considered retaining Tisch as police commissioner if he is elected. The Feliz family voiced their concern regarding Tisch’s potential retention.
“We just think that it’s a shame that she’s choosing to make that decision, and that she shouldn’t be the next police commissioner when the November elections come around. I know that there have been a lot of mayoral candidates that have mentioned her and her work and her service to the city so far, but I just would mention to them to look at this situation and how she’s handling it,” said Samy Feliz, Allan’s brother.
Community organizations including the Justice Committee, were some of many of the groups that have been alongside the Feliz family since Allan’s death. The family expressed their gratitude for the support they have been given from the groups.
“The support from the city is something that everyone wants, that everyone deserves as well. And especially if it’s members of your community and organizations that are highly thought about and respected in the community, it’s even more meaningful,” said Feliz.
Following the rally, the Feliz family and legal advocates hand delivered a letter from the Civilian Complaint Review Board in response to the decision. Friday was the last day for the CCRB to deliver a response. The family faced initial difficulty delivering the letter to Tisch from the visitor’s center.
Once the letter was delivered, the family rallied around City Hall. Though Friday was the last day for the CCRB to respond, Commissioner Tisch does not have a deadline to overturn the decision. If the response does not overturn the decision, the Verdeja says they will keep fighting.
“We’re only asking for justice, we’re only asking for accountability. It shouldn’t be too much to ask for, despite all the hurdles and obstacles that we face. So we will continue to explore what our next options are.”