Former President Donald Trump is planning to attend the wake for New York City police officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop. Trump’s campaign confirmed that the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee will be at a visitation on Long Island for Diller, the first New York City police officer killed in the line of duty in two years. Trump expressed his condolences for Diller’s family and colleagues, calling his death senseless and tragic. This move comes as Trump has been highlighting the issue of crime in New York City, particularly in relation to his upcoming criminal trial in Manhattan.
A second suspect in the shooting, Lindy Jones, was arraigned on weapons charges, following the arrest of Guy Rivera, who allegedly shot Diller. The incident occurred when Diller and his partner approached a parked SUV with Rivera and Jones inside in the Far Rockaway neighborhood. Rivera shot Diller under his protective vest after refusing to comply with orders to exit the vehicle. Diller, a 31-year-old married man with a young son, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Rivera was shot in the back by Diller’s partner and remained hospitalized without formal charges as of Wednesday.
Rivera’s mother explained that her son may have had distrust of law enforcement due to his past experiences in prison, leading to a tragic escalation in the situation. Jones, the second suspect, was found with a loaded 9 mm pistol with a scratched-off serial number in the glove compartment of the SUV. He now faces illegal weapons charges and is being held accountable for his involvement in the incident. The Queens District Attorney expressed a commitment to seek justice on behalf of Officer Diller’s loved ones and his fellow NYPD members. Diller, a relatively new member of the police department, lived with his family in Long Island.
Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer, described Diller’s shooting as devastating and emphasized the importance of distinguishing between good and bad individuals in society. He highlighted the bravery and selflessness of officers like Diller who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Diller’s funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa. The tragic loss of Officer Diller has drawn attention to the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the challenges in maintaining public safety in urban areas like New York City.
In response to the news of Diller’s death, former President Trump’s decision to attend the wake and show support for the fallen officer’s family and colleagues has been seen as a gesture of solidarity with the law enforcement community. Trump’s involvement comes at a time when crime rates and public safety concerns are prominent issues in political discourse, particularly in urban centers like New York City. The tragic circumstances surrounding Diller’s shooting serve as a reminder of the risks faced by police officers every day in their efforts to protect the public and uphold the law. The upcoming funeral for Officer Diller will be an opportunity for the community to honor his memory and recognize his service to the city.
