QUEENS, NY – Following the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan E. Diller during a traffic stop, the accused gunman, Guy Rivera, was held without bail on Thursday. Rivera faces first-degree murder and attempted murder charges, including allegations that he tried to shoot another officer but his gun jammed during the encounter.
Rivera, a resident of Woodside, Queens, has been hospitalized since Diller’s partner shot him in the back. The Queens District Attorney’s Office charged Rivera with first- and second-degree murder, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and other related charges in connection with Diller’s death.
During the arraignment, a spokesperson for the Queens district attorney’s office confirmed that Rivera was ordered remanded and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Statements from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the loss of Officer Diller and the unwavering pursuit of justice for the victim and his family.
Prosecutors revealed that after fatally shooting Diller, Rivera attempted to aim his gun at another officer, Sgt. Sasha Rosen, but Rosen managed to deflect the weapon away. Despite Rivera’s actions, which led to a deadly encounter, the gun jammed. The charges against Rivera were announced on the same day as Diller’s wake.
Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Diller. The emotional impact of Diller’s death has reverberated throughout the law enforcement community, with hundreds of officers showing support during court proceedings and plans for a memorial service.
As the investigation into the fatal shooting continues, details emerge about the criminal records of both Rivera and Lindy Jones, who was driving the vehicle during the incident. Jones faces charges related to the possession of a weapon, while Rivera’s past criminal history includes incidents involving firearms and controlled substances.
The tragic loss of Officer Diller has prompted mourning and remembrance, with tributes planned at Citi Field and a memorial service scheduled in Massapequa. The events leading up to the fatal shooting are under scrutiny as authorities seek answers and justice for the fallen officer.