The funeral of slain hero cop Jonathan Diller saw approximately 10,000 people gather in Long Island to honor his memory. His widow, Stephanie Diller, tearfully demanded an end to unchecked crime in NYC during her eulogy at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Diller was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens by career criminals with multiple prior arrests. The service highlighted Diller’s life and legacy, with loved ones remembering him as a hero to his family even before gaining recognition on a larger scale.
The funeral service took place on Holy Saturday, a solemn day in the Christian calendar, and featured readings honoring St. Michael, the patron saint of police officers. Diller was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade and given a new badge number commemorating his son’s birthday. The ceremony was presided over by Father Michael Duffy, emphasizing Diller’s love for his family and his dedication to being a father to his young son Ryan. The event was attended by a multitude of law enforcement officers and officials, as well as former President Trump.
Speakers at the funeral, including NYPD officials, Mayor Eric Adams, and PBA President Patrick Hendry, paid tribute to Diller as a hero who bravely faced danger to protect others. The sentiments expressed were a mix of grief and anger, with calls for a city of law and order rather than disorder. Despite the outpouring of support for Diller, there was discontent among mourners regarding the presence of left-wing politicians who had previously supported defunding the police and bail reform, seen as disrespectful and inadequate in the face of rising crime rates.
The accused killer of Officer Diller, Guy Rivera, had a lengthy criminal record with 21 prior arrests. This fact, along with the criminal history of Lindy Jones, the driver of the vehicle during the shooting, sparked outrage among attendees at the funeral. Uniformed officers, families of law enforcement members, and supporters gathered to mourn Diller’s death and call for changes in laws to protect those who protect the community. There were appeals for support for Diller’s young son through the Silver Shield Foundation, created to assist families of fallen officers.
The funeral procession was a poignant event, with Diller’s son Ryan reaching out to his father’s casket as it departed the church for the cemetery. The sight of uniformed officers, firefighters, and motorcyclists lined along the road leading to St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery was a display of respect and solidarity. The tragedy of Diller’s death, along with the pain and anger felt by those in attendance, underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the consequences of rising crime rates in the city.
Amidst the grief and tributes at Officer Diller’s funeral, there was a clear call for action to protect law enforcement officers and address the escalating crime problem in New York City. The widow’s emotional speech, the presence of dignitaries and former colleagues, and the outpouring of support highlighted the sacrifices made by those in service to the community. The event was a somber reminder of the dangers faced by officers like Diller and the need for changes in policies to ensure their safety and the well-being of their families.
