Rocker Jon Bon Jovi declared his support for the New York Police Department (Nypd) during a charity gig in New Jersey on Monday (22Dec14) in the aftermath of a double cop killing which shocked the nation.

The Bon Jovi star performed at the Bobby Bandiera and Friends Hope Concert in Red Bank, in his native New Jersey, and he appeared on stage wearing an Nypd football shirt.

During the show, Bon Jovi explained his choice of top, telling the crowd at the Count Basie Theatre he was showing his support for the police at a difficult time following the death of two New York City officers on Saturday (20Dec14).

The rocker told the audience, "I'm showing a little solidarity for my brothers in the Nypd and all of those who protect and serve us everyday, no matter what the risks."

Officers Rafael Ramos, 40, and Wen Jian Liu, 32, were shot dead in their car by a gunman who then committed suicide, and reports suggest the double murder was carried out as a revenge attack for the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in New York.

Brown was shot dead by a cop, while Garner died after he was allegedly placed in a chokehold by an Nypd officer, and protests were launched after grand juries declined to press charges against the officers.

During the gig, Bon Jovi also paid tribute to late music veteran Joe Cocker following his death on Monday, performing his track The Letter and telling the crowd, "Rock 'n' roll lost one of the greats."

The star also performed his songs Who Says You Can't Go Home and I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas.

The show, which raised money for local charities, was closed by Southside Johnny, who performed With A Little Help From My Friends, The Beatles song famously covered by Cocker, according to the Asbury Park Press.