NYPD officers gather in solidarity for slain officer Jonathan Diller's arraignment as suspect Lindy Jones pleads not guilty

Diller, a 31-year-old NYPD officer, tragically lost his life when he was allegedly shot by suspect Guy Rivera, 34, in late March
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2024
Lindy Jones, 41, accused of driving alleged shooter Guy Rivera, 34, who killed Officer Jonathan Diller, 31 (NYPD/Newsday/screengrab)
Lindy Jones, 41, accused of driving alleged shooter Guy Rivera, 34, who killed Officer Jonathan Diller, 31 (NYPD/Newsday/screengrab)

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

QUEENS, NEW YORK: In a poignant display of solidarity, over 100 police officers congregated in a Queens courtroom as Lindy Jones, the suspect in the killing of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, was arraigned on Tuesday, April 16.

Diller, a 31-year-old NYPD officer, tragically lost his life when he was allegedly shot by suspect Guy Rivera, 34, in late March.

Ex-con Guy Rivera allegedly had a shiv up his rectum in case he got arrested and needed it for self-defense in jail (ABC/YouTube)
Ex-con Guy Rivera allegedly had a shiv up his rectum in case he got arrested and needed it for self-defense in jail (ABC/YouTube)

Lindy Jones who once told cops 'I shoot people' is arraigned

Amidst the emotional courtroom proceedings, Jones, who once told cops "My name is Lindy Jones Jr and I shoot people" pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, reported Daily Mail.

Jones, with 14 prior arrests and a conviction for attempted murder and robbery in 2003, had been arrested on gun charges last April but was released on bail.

The tragic event occurred during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on the evening of Monday, March 25th. Officer Jonathan Diller, a devoted father, was fatally shot while seated in the passenger seat of the car being driven by Jones.

Despite the daunting situation, the officer's bravery was underscored as he managed to move the firearm away from the shooter even after sustaining injuries.

Officer Jonathan Diller and his son Ryan, 1
(Facebook/Jean O'Donnell)
Fallen Officer Jonathan Diller and his son Ryan, 1 (Facebook/Jean O'Donnell)

NYPD mourns fallen officer Jonathan Diller as justice pursued

As the legal proceedings continue, the NYPD community mourns the loss of one of their own, with Commissioner Edward Cavan honoring Diller as a "hero."

Meanwhile, prosecutors emphasize their commitment to seeking justice for Diller and his loved ones.

Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence as a "senseless act of violence" stressing the need to confront the "recidivist problem."

"Same bad people doing bad things to good people," he added.

Former President Donald Trump's attendance at Diller's wake drew attention, as he criticized political figures for their perceived lack of support for law enforcement.

(Newsday/screengrab)
Lindy Jones, aged 41, faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree on Tuesday (Newsday/screengrab)

Governor Kathy Hochul faces criticism at Officer Jonathan Diller's wake

In another development, Governor Kathy Hochul encountered scrutiny during her visit to pay respects to Officer Diller, with reports indicating that she was asked to leave the wake and purportedly admonished by the officer's grieving widow.

Scheduled to offer her condolences on the second day of viewings for Diller, Hochul arrived at the funeral home around 1:45 pm on Friday. Witnesses recounted a person from the crowd shouting, "Get her outta here," as recounted by a law enforcement source.



 

A video shared on social media captures Hochul engaged in conversation with an unidentified individual outside the Long Island funeral home.

While the conversation was not audible, the man's gestures suggested a stern exchange. Hochul was seen engaging in conversation with an unidentified man outside the Long Island funeral home before departing in a black SUV, eliciting audible applause from onlookers.

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