Police gather in solidarity for slain officer Jonathan Diller's arraignment as suspect pleads not guilty
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.
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.
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.
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.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul got ejected from Police Officer Jonathan Diller’s wake today.
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 30, 2024
She was previously told by the police union president not even to show up.
Hochul should’ve listened.pic.twitter.com/mf59YP6nyf
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.