NEW DELHI: During a tragic encounter in Queens on Monday evening, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, 31, was fatally shot in the stomach by identified suspect Guy Rivera during a routine traffic stop, marking a somber moment described by officials as a “senseless act of violence.”
Diller, who leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son, was attempting to remove Rivera from a vehicle when he was struck, leading to his urgent transportation to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Witness Deon Peters detailed the harrowing moments post-shooting, recounting Officer Diller’s cries of pain and his alerts over the radio. In response to the tragedy, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Mayor Eric Adams expressed deep sorrow, recognizing Diller’s sacrifice and condemning the violence that led to his death.
As per the New York Post report, the incident unfolded around 5:50pm after police targeted a car obstructing a bus stop. When Rivera resisted officers’ commands to exit the vehicle, the situation escalated, resulting in Diller being shot under his vest. Despite his injuries, Diller managed to secure the gun from Rivera before collapsing.
In the ensuing chaos, Diller’s partner retaliated, injuring Rivera, who also has a lengthy criminal history. Both Rivera and the vehicle’s driver, Lindy Jones, who has his own record of criminal activity, were known to the authorities and have been linked to previous offenses.
As the community grapples with this loss, NYPD and city leaders are calling for an end to the violence against law enforcement, while Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association, hailed Diller as a hero and urged New Yorkers to stand against the tide of aggression faced by police officers.
The loss of Officer Diller has reignited conversations about the dangers law enforcement officers face and the ongoing issue of recidivism in the city.