Former President Trump recently attended the wake of slain NYPD detective Jonathan Diller, where he prayed the Lord’s Prayer with the grieving family. The ceremony celebrant, Rev. Michael Duffy, described this moment as simple and beautiful, signifying the support and comfort Trump provided to the family. Trump had been personally invited by Diller’s family to celebrate his life after the detective was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. The Republican nominee expressed his condolences to Diller’s young wife Stephanie and their 1-year-old son Ryan, promising to ensure that Diller’s death was not in vain.
During the wake, Diller’s widow introduced Trump to Duffy, the priest who had presided over their wedding. Duffy then asked the former president to pray with the family, to which Trump agreed. Trump joined the entire room in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, seeking God’s forgiveness and protection against evil. Duffy recounted how Trump affectionately kissed baby Ryan on the forehead, prompting the child to clap and providing a heartwarming moment that eased some of the tension in the room. Photos captured Ryan reaching towards his father’s casket while his mother lovingly kissed his head, showcasing the family’s deep grief.
Following the service, Diller was laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale. Meanwhile, the man suspected of killing him, Guy Rivera, was charged from his hospital bed with murder, attempted murder, and weapons possession. Rivera shot Diller once in the stomach below his bulletproof vest during the traffic stop. It was revealed that Rivera had 21 prior arrests and had a shiv concealed in his rectum during the shooting, indicating a premeditated plan. Additionally, Rivera’s accomplice, Lindy Jones, was arrested for having a second gun in his car at the time of the shooting.
The grief-stricken family of Detective Diller was grateful for Trump’s presence at the wake and the support he offered during this difficult time. The former president’s willingness to pray with the family and show compassion was deeply appreciated by Diller’s loved ones and those in attendance. Trump’s gesture of praying the Lord’s Prayer was a symbolic act of seeking solace and divine intervention in the midst of tragedy, bringing a sense of peace to the room. The emotional images from the funeral, including Ryan’s innocent reaching towards his father and his mother’s poignant display of affection, captured the heartbreaking impact of Diller’s death on his family.
The tragedy of Diller’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Rivera’s alleged actions and extensive criminal history underscore the risks that officers like Diller confront while protecting their communities. The charges brought against Rivera and Jones shed light on the criminal activities that led to the fatal shooting of Detective Diller. The community’s response to Diller’s death, including Trump’s visit to the wake and the outpouring of support for his family, highlights the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers like Detective Diller. The legacy of Detective Diller will endure through the memories of those who knew and loved him, as well as the gratitude of a nation that recognizes the dedication and bravery of its law enforcement personnel.
