Family, friends and a sea of blue uniforms gathered for the funeral of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller on Saturday.
Mourners filled St. Rose Catholic Church in Lima and even crowded into the outdoor area during the funeral Mass for the 31-year-old officer.
Diller’s widow, Stephanie Diller, received a standing ovation as she approached the church’s podium to speak. Fighting back tears, Stephanie Diller thanked the public for their outpouring of support since her husband’s death.
“I’m so proud that thousands of people across the country call Jonathan a hero, but the truth is that he has always been a hero to Ryan and I,” she said. “The rest of the world is just catching up.”
She also demanded change.
“How many more officers and how many more families will have to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start protecting them?” Stephanie asked. “When the gates of heaven open for me, like on our wedding day, I hope to see Jonathan standing there staring at me. The man who captured me. , Jonathan Diller, may you rest in peace,” the eulogy concluded. My heart, and now all of New York. ”
NYPD Jonathan Diller shooting: Guy Rivera charged with attempted murder in police attack
NYPD pallbearers carry the casket of NYPD Jonathan Diller during his funeral at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Massapequa, New York. ((Photo credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))
In his speech at the ceremony, New York City Mayor Eric Adams Aloe praised Mr. Diller as a hero and recalled the final moments of his life.
“Even after he got shot, […] He fought and took the gun from the person who was going to take his life,” Adams said.
The mayor vowed to make the city safer, saying, “I will make sure violent career criminals are held accountable for their crimes and I will do everything in my power to end gun violence in this city.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban announced that Diller was posthumously promoted to detective and given a badge number in honor of his son Ryan.
“His new badge number is 110, which is my son’s birthday,” Caban explained. “What Diller loved most was being Ryan’s father.”
Mets pay tribute to NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed on Opening Day
A hearse carrying the casket of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller arrives in Massapequa, New York, for his funeral. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Patrick Hendry, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, struggled to hold back tears as he condemned the two suspects who shot and killed Diller during a traffic stop and praised the “heroics” of the NYPD.
New York state government official Kathy Hochul abruptly leaves NYPD Jonathan Diller’s wake 10 minutes later.onlookers applaud
Mr. Diller’s casket was carried out of the church as the hymn “Lift High the Cross” was played and sung by those in attendance.
Diller was shot dead The man, who has been arrested 21 times in the past, allegedly shot Diller, 34-year-old Guy Rivera, in the abdomen as he tried to get him out of his car during a traffic stop in Queens on Monday.
Rivera reportedly fired shots at Diller and his partner around 5:45 p.m. when officers approached the vehicle as it was illegally parked at a bus stop.
NYPD pallbearers carry the casket of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller as a priest blesses with holy water. ((Photo credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))
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Another man in the car at the time of Diller’s death, Lindy Jones, was also charged with weapons possession and weapon defacement after his death.
former president donald trump I attended the wake on Thursday afternoon.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York also attended the wake and expressed his condolences to the family and police.
The next day, New York Governor Cathy Hochul made a brief appearance at the wake, speaking with a man outside the funeral home before leaving.
