Guy Rivera, the suspect accused of fatally shooting NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop, is facing charges of murder and attempted murder. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Rivera would be charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, and additional firearms charges. The incident occurred in Far Rockaway, Queens, where Diller and his partner approached a car that was illegally parked at a bus stop. When they asked the occupants to exit, Rivera allegedly opened fire from the passenger seat, fatally shooting Diller.
After shooting Diller, Rivera allegedly turned the gun on Diller’s partner, Sgt. Sasha Rosen. A struggle ensued, with Rosen managing to push the gun away before Rivera attempted to fire again, though the gun jammed. Rosen returned fire, injuring Rivera, who is currently in the hospital recovering from his wounds. The suspect will be arraigned as soon as medically possible. A candlelight vigil was held for Diller, a 31-year-old father, with a funeral scheduled for Saturday in Massapequa Park, New York. Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend the wake services along with thousands of officers and VIPs paying their respects.
Two suspects are facing charges in connection with Diller’s death – Rivera, the alleged gunman, and Lindy Jones, an ex-con with prior felony convictions. Jones was found with an illegal handgun with a scratched off serial number in his glove box. Both men have lengthy criminal records, with Rivera having 21 prior arrests, including nine for felonies. Despite recently being off parole, Rivera had obtained a firearm he legally could not own. Jones, who has a pending felony firearms case from last year, was also found with additional weapons charges after a search warrant was served on his vehicle.
Diller succumbed to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, leaving behind a wife and one-year-old son. A GoFundMe campaign raised over half a million dollars for his family from nearly 8,000 donors. The loss of Diller has deeply affected the community and law enforcement personnel, with hundreds of police officers attending court proceedings for the suspects. The tragic incident underscores the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, as they work to protect and serve their communities while facing dangerous situations. The legal process will be followed to ensure justice is served for Officer Diller and his family as the investigation into the shooting continues.
