Susan Sarandon Slammed for Comparing NYPD Officer's Funeral to Fascism

Susan Sarandon is facing a backlash, after sharing a Twitter post that compared the funeral of a slain police officer to fascism.

On Tuesday, the politically outspoken actress took to the micro-blogging platform to share a photo of a sizable crowd of police officers lining the streets, alongside a caption that read: "I'm gonna tell my kids this is what fascism looks like."

Over the post, which Fox News reports was originally made by podcaster Danny Haiphong, was the statement: "So, if all these cops weren't needed for CRIME that day, doesn't that mean they aren't needed ANY day?"

Across the original image was a hashtag reading "#abolishthepolice." It is not clear whether Sarandon added the statement or hashtag to the post.

The post was met with backlash from other Twitter users, one of whom wrote: "So totally offensive in SO many ways. PLEASE feel free to NEVER call 911 --EVER. My son (LA County Deputy) became a cop following his father's footsteps -- who was killed in the line of DUTY."

"Unfortunately, most of us cannot afford gated communities or hilltop mansions with state of the art security in Stamford like you Susan," commented another. "We need and appreciate the officers that keep us safe.

"Susan - I am so disappointed in you," read another tweet. "Left wing is one thing but being inconsiderate of our finest is just wrong on so many levels. You owe the officer's family along with the force an apology. Your comment is reprehensible."

"These officers were assassinated doing their job," a Twitter user said. "One was just 22 and he lived in the community. These officers deserve our respect and admiration. On most jobs you don't get killed just for showing up. Show some compassion and grace."

Newsweek has contacted a representative of Sarandon for comment.

According to Fox News, the image shared by Sarandon was taken on the streets of New York City at the recent funeral of slain NYPD officer Jason Rivera.

Rivera, 22, and his partner Wilbert Mora, 27, were fatally shot while on duty as they responded to a report about a domestic dispute between a mother and son in Harlem on January 21.

The officers were ambushed by the woman's son, LaShawn McNeil, who fired at the cops from a back bedroom. A third officer at the scene fatally shot McNeil as he attempted to run away. Mora died of his injuries days later, according to CBS New York.

With Rivera's funeral taking place at St. Patrick's Cathedral on the morning of January 28, police officers turned out in large crowds to honor the fallen officer.

"We came together today in grief to honor our hero, now-Detective First Grade Jason Rivera. We came from near & far, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as a sea of blue," NYPD first Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban wrote on Twitter.

A message was also shared on Twitter via the verified NYPD News Twitter account on the day of the funeral service, alongside video footage of the somber event.

"A sea of blue lined Fifth Avenue shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow first responders from around the country as we rendered a final salute to Detective Jason Rivera," read the statement. "With tears in our eyes we bid farewell and make a solemn vow to #NeverForget his legacy and sacrifice to this city."

Mora's funeral took place on Wednesday at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where officers also turned out in overwhelming numbers to show their support, per CNN.

Speaking at the service New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to provide resources in the fight against "senseless" gun violence.

"New Yorkers understand the risk and sacrifice you make every day, and we applaud you for that," Adams said to the officers in attendance. "Those of us who have put on the uniform know: What happened to Officer Mora could happen to us any day."