Community Mourns NYPD Officer Shot in Queens: Recidivist Problem Addressed by Officials

A community in Queens, the NYPD, and a young family are in mourning following the tragic loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot in the line of duty in Queens. Diller, 31, resided in Massapequa Park with his wife Stephanie and their nearly 1-year-old son. He had joined the NYPD in February 2021.

Authorities revealed that Diller and another officer were conducting a routine traffic stop on Mott Avenue around 5:45 p.m. The NYPD Critical Response Team had been targeting vehicles with fake plates, illegal tints, or other quality-of-life issues. The officers stopped a vehicle with two men inside, parked illegally at a bus stop.

The suspect in the passenger’s seat, identified as Guy Rivera, 34, refused to comply with the officers’ instructions and pointed a gun at them. Rivera allegedly shot Officer Diller in the torso just below his bullet-resistant vest, leaving Diller critically wounded. Diller’s partner retaliated by firing at Rivera, striking him in the back.

Officer Diller was swiftly transported to Jamaica Hospital, where despite the medical efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. The second officer sustained tinnitus and was also taken to the hospital for treatment. The other suspect, Lindy Jones, was also apprehended, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.

Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, addressed the incident, highlighting Rivera’s criminal history, having been arrested by the NYPD 21 times, with nine felony charges. Having served several sentences, including one for criminal sale of a controlled substance, Rivera’s release from prison in 2021 has sparked discussions on recidivism and public safety.

Lucy Yang was on-site in Queens to provide detailed coverage of the tragic events that unfolded on Monday. Commissioner Edward Caban expressed deep sorrow for the loss of Officer Diller, emphasizing the dangerousness of the perpetrators and the challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting the community.

Governor Kathy Hochul also extended her condolences, denouncing the senseless killing and honoring Officer Diller’s heroism and service. This marks the first NYPD officer fatality since 2022 when officers were tragically shot in Harlem while responding to a domestic disturbance call, underscoring the grave risks faced by law enforcement daily.