New York City, NY – Tragedy struck on Monday when a New York City police officer was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop, marking the first death of an NYPD officer in two years. The city’s mayor, Eric Adams, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, emphasizing the pain felt by the entire community.
The shooting occurred in the Far Rockaway section of Queens just before 5:50 p.m. when Officer Jonathan Diller and his partner approached a vehicle parked illegally at a bus stop. The perpetrator inside the vehicle shot Officer Diller below his bullet-proof vest, despite the officers’ attempts to order the driver and passenger out of the car.
Officer Diller, a three-year veteran of the police department, was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries. Police Commissioner Edward Caban revealed that Diller, a married man with a young child, had valiantly fought back against the shooter even after being wounded, underscoring his dedication to duty.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny recounted the harrowing details of the incident, highlighting Diller’s courageous attempts to disarm the shooter despite sustaining critical injuries. Witnesses described a chaotic and swift series of events, with bystanders like Melissa Morgan and Deon Peters recalling the shocking scene they witnessed.
The fatal shooting of Officer Diller shook the NYPD, bringing back memories of the last officer deaths in 2022. Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, met with Diller’s widow and condemned the senseless act of violence that had taken the life of a dedicated public servant. The Police Benevolent Association of New York echoed the sentiment, calling for an end to the attacks on police officers in the city.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the risks officers face daily while serving and protecting their communities. As investigations into the shooting continue, the NYPD community mourns the loss of one of their own and grapples with the harsh realities of the dangers inherent in law enforcement.