Jonathan Diller, a former 9/11 first responder and neighbor of the slain New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, said in an interview with FOX News Digital that Gov. Kathy Hochul and the liberal district attorney The judge accused him of having blood on his hands. Authorities say the two men involved in the fatal shooting of Diller during a traffic stop had been arrested at least 20 times in the past.
Guy Rivera, 34, fired at a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop during a traffic stop conducted by Diller and his partner in Far Rockaway, Queens, around 5:45 p.m. Monday. It is said that Rivera, who was in the passenger seat, allegedly fired first at police, fatally wounding Diller in the torso under his protective vest. Rivera also reportedly received backlash and is currently hospitalized. Like Rivera, the driver of the car, Lindy Jones, 41, has at least 20 prior arrests, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.
As New York City mourns Mr. Diller, 31, who lived on Long Island with his wife and nearly 1-year-old son, Mr. Diller, one of his neighbors in Massapequa Park, N.Y., supports Mr. Hochul’s bail reform policies. he accused. Michael Brangiforti, who worked for the New York City Police Department for 20 years, including in the 105th Precinct where Diller worked, told Fox News Digital, “New York’s mysterious bail reform and revolving door… The judiciary combination makes no sense at all. There is no common sense behind the decision-making.”
“This governor is terrible,” he said. In response to Diller’s death, Hochul said, “I am heartbroken by the senseless killing of Officer Jonathan Diller tonight in Queens. My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the entire NYPD. We salute his heroism and contributions.” You’ll never forget it. ”
Suspect in the shooting death of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller identified, with long-term record
However, Brangiforti, who retired as head of the detective squad in 2008, strongly criticized the governor’s response.
New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller died in the line of duty on March 25, 2024. (New York City Police Department, Associated Press)
“It’s boilerplate. Do you think she actually wrote it?” he told Fox News Digital. “Someone on her staff wrote what you should write. If you compare them side by side every time a tragedy happens, I’m sure they’ll all be the same. Oh, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. .Because he’s a hero.”And yet you’re supporting a law that allowed something like this to happen.” ”
“We don’t want your love and prayers and thoughts. We don’t want that,” he continued. “What we want is for you to write that these policies that I’ve supported in the past are wrong. And now I understand that. I think they’re wrong. I know it’s wrong, and I need to change. I need to change. I need to change.’
New York City Major Eric Adams told reporters Tuesday that crime in New York City is centered around three problems: recidivism, severe mental illness, and random acts of violence, and told Albany city councilors. They called for legislation to take action in response to Diller’s death. Another fatal subway collision occurred this week.
“Jonathan is a symbol. For anyone who has children, imagine the pain of going through something unnatural. Parents should never have to bury their children. There’s nothing natural about it. And just “I was hoping those words would never come back to me. It was just a senseless act of violence,” Adams said. “We have a real repeat offender problem. One of these two people had been arrested on gun charges in April 2023. The driver had over 20 prior convictions, and the other have similar criminal records. Recidivism is a real problem.”
Governor Kathy Hochul supports bail reform legislation. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
New York City police officer shoots and kills suspect who had been arrested multiple times during a traffic stop in Queens: Police
“The bad guys are no longer afraid of the police. They feel emboldened to do whatever they want,” Adams added.
In addition to Diller’s killing, Brangiforti also mentioned the 2015 shooting death of Officer Brian Moore, who also worked at the 105th Precinct.
“It’s very frustrating and something has to change because the prosecutors, the judges have blood on their hands and no one is holding them accountable. They don’t seem to realize that they’re committing acts of violence.” Felons are back on the streets,” Brangiforti said. “He has 21 prior arrests, one for gun possession, one for armed robbery with a gun, and the gun charge was less than a year ago, and he, you know, If you’re walking down the street, you’re not in jail, you have a gun, and you just shoot the cops, it seems fine.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said recidivism is driving violent crime. (Luis C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Over the past few years, Brangiforti said he has seen “contempt” and a deterioration in the perception of police officers. “We are completely overlooking 99% of the public sector.” They live each day wanting nothing more than to help those within their jurisdiction. ”
“It’s heartening that these criminals, these violent criminals, act with such reckless disregard for the lives of police officers. But 21 people have been arrested and charged with armed robbery, gun charges, and this… A man is walking around in the streets, he has blood on his hands. “Everyone who votes for these bail reform laws, everyone who participates in a revolving door judiciary. Judges are also handcuffed by these laws.” “There are,” Brangiforti said. “We’re putting armed, dangerous people back on the streets. What has happened to our society?”
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“It’s not just the police officers,” Brangiforti said, adding that Diller’s case carries more weight because he was a member of law enforcement, but New Yorkers are exposed to violent crimes every day. he admitted. “But what about other people? There are innocent victims all over the city, and it’s because of the recklessness and lack of common sense by people in positions of authority who have turned citizens against them. I’m concerned about the rights of more people.” The rights of criminals and those who commit crimes are more important than ordinary citizens who are victims every day. ”
Brangiforti, who has attended many police officer funerals during his 20-year career, said he did not know Diller personally but plans to attend his funeral. ”
