Family of Allan Feliz Outraged by Commissioner Tisch’s “Despicable” Refusal to Fire Killer Cop Rivera

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Tess Weiner, tess@justicecommittee.org, 224.213.5495

Family of Allan Feliz Outraged by Commissioner Tisch’s “Despicable” Refusal to Fire Killer Cop Rivera 

Feliz family and supporters say “the fight is not over”; call for next mayor to remove Tisch as NYPD Commissioner

New York, NY – Today, the family of Allan Feliz was joined by the brother of Ramarley Graham (killed by NYPD in 2012), Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa, civil rights and grassroots organizations, and community members to condemn NYPD Commissioner Tisch’s refusal to fire or in any way discipline Lt. Jonathan Rivera, who killed Allan Feliz during an unjust traffic stop in 2019.

Tisch’s shameful final decision, announced quietly on Friday afternoon, comes amidst a flurry of corruption lawsuits against the NYPD, including sweeping allegations of dismissing misconduct.

Samy Feliz, Allan Feliz’s brother, shared, “My family and I are outraged and devastated by Commissioner Tisch’s decision to overturn the guilty verdict against Lt. Jonathan Rivera for killing Allan. Tisch’s refusal to fire this abusive officer, who shot a teenager before killing my brother and has harmed New Yorkers since, is despicable. It proves that she cannot be trusted, and that she is just as corrupt as the rest of the NYPD and the Eric Adams administration.”

The Feliz family has suffered through the arduous discipline process for nearly six years, facing intentional delays and obstructions from the NYPD and the Adams administration at each turn. Deputy Commissioner of Trials Maldonado issued a rare guilty verdict and recommended firing Jonathan Rivera in February. The case languished on Commissioner Tisch’s desk for another 6 months before she issued her final decision, continuing NYPD’s legacy of impunity. 

TheFeliz family and their supporters say they are not giving up the fight. “As devastating as Commissioner Tisch’s final decision is, we know New Yorkers are on our side, and our fight is not over,” said Julie Aquino, Allan Feliz’s partner and mother of his son, Eli. “We are pursuing all options to continue our fight to ensure Rivera is fired.”

Last month, in response to a preliminary decision that indicated that Tisch was moving to overturn the guilty verdict, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Center for Constitutional Rights, New York Civil Liberties Union and others submitted a letter to the NYPD that called such a decision arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion.

“Commissioner Tisch’s decision to shield Lt. Rivera after he shot Allan Feliz at point-blank range is a betrayal of justice," said Lourdes M. Rosado, President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. "For nearly six years, the Feliz family has endured lies, delays, and obstruction only to see Tisch overturn her own deputy’s recommendation and side with a killer cop with a long record of misconduct. LatinoJustice stands with the Feliz family and all New Yorkers demanding justice.” 

The Feliz family and their supporters say this decision proves Jessica Tisch cannot be trusted to serve and protect New Yorkers.

“Commissioner Tisch, despite her promises, has made one thing clear: her allegiance is not to the people of New York, but to her own interests and to violent, unaccountable cops who terrorize our communities,” said Mery Verdeja, Allan Feliz’s mother. “I am calling on NYC’s next mayor, whoever they may be, to ensure Jessica Tisch has no place in their administration.”

“Despite Commissioner Tisch’s attempts to brand herself as a new kind of police commissioner with talks of reform, she has chosen political self-interest over the truth and continued the NYPD’s pattern of protecting officers with histories of misconduct,” said Yul-san Liem (she/they), Deputy Director of Justice Committee. “Jessica Tisch is just as corrupt as Eric Adams, all his other police commissioners and the rest of his administration. She cannot be trusted to serve or lead New Yorkers. We are calling on whoever becomes the next mayor to remove her as police commissioner and ensure she holds no position in city government.” 

"In addition to the egregious harm Tisch's decision to overturn the guilty verdict against Rivera will cause Allan’s family, this choice endangers the residents of NYC,” said Councilmember Alexa Avilés (she/her). “I hope our next mayor will see this public safety hazard for what it is and remove both Tisch and Rivera from their respective roles."

“For years, many of our members have stood with the Feliz Family, Justice Committee, and allies demanding accountability for the murder of Allan Feliz. We are outraged that years of pleading for the Department to do what is right, of being told to trust in the process has only netted a never-ending maze of delays and bureaucratic smoke and mirrors for the Feliz family. We mourn with you and remain committed in this fight for dignity, transparency, and justice,” said Emmet Teran, Executive Director of the New York City Council Progressive Caucus.