Stephanie Diller, the widow of a slain New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, delivered a eulogy Saturday as thousands attended his funeral.
New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller shot dead Guy Rivera photographed during a traffic stop in Queens on Monday. Diller’s widow fondly remembered him in the large audience, saying he was her “fervent protector” and her “absolute greatest confidant.”
JUST IN: The widow of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller gives an emotional speech condemning New York City for failing to protect its police officers.
Diller’s wife, Stephanie, said her husband died a hero and lived a hero.
“My husband died a hero, but he always lived a hero.”
“He always… pic.twitter.com/FFrfx3zyod
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 30, 2024
“Thank you for your continued support this week,” Stephanie Diller began. “The outpouring of love our family has received is overwhelming. We are forever grateful to everyone.”
“For every hug I’ve ever received, I imagine it was from Jonathan. I wish he was here to see the incredible kindness and generosity shown to our family. But in his own way, I know he is here watching over us,” she continued. “I’m so proud that thousands of people across the country call Jonathan a hero, but the truth is, to Ryan and I, he’s always been a hero. The rest of the world is just catching up. .”
Stephanie Diller said she was “unprecedented” to be a member of the NYPD, but added, “I salute Jonathan when he takes off his uniform.” Diller’s widow described her late husband as a “connector” and “friend to everyone.” She called his death “devastating” and “senseless.” according to to the New York Post. (Related: President Trump slams Biden over response to New York City police officer killing, says he ‘could have made a phone call’)
“My husband died as a hero, but he always lived as a hero,” Stephanie Diller said, according to the newspaper.
Rivera is Paid The newspaper reported Thursday that police officers were charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and that same day former President Donald Trump also attended the vigil for the slain NYPD officer.
