Thousands Gather to Pay Tribute to Slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller at Emotional Wake
ICARO Media Group
Mourners, including former President Donald Trump and Mayor Adams, gathered at a funeral home on Long Island to honor the life of slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was tragically shot during a routine traffic stop in Queens. The Massapequa Funeral Home was filled with mourners, with a sea of police officers lining the sidewalk and street outside, paying their respects to a dedicated officer and family man.
Officer Diller, a three-year cop, was hailed as a hero for his unwavering commitment to public safety. The heart of Massapequa Park was adorned with blue ribbons and a symbolic thin blue line painted along Merrick Road, showcasing the community's support and gratitude for his service.
During a vigil held in the town on Wednesday night, Diller's brother-in-law Joseph spoke fondly of the fallen officer, emphasizing his love for his job and his natural inclination towards heroism. "He loved what he did. He was born to be a cop. He was born to be a hero. He died being a hero. He died doing what he loved. I will forever be a better person because of him."
Over a thousand people braved the rain and attended the vigil, including fellow NYPD officers, local law enforcement officials, friends, and neighbors. Former President Trump, who had been vocal on social media about the accused killer, also paid tribute to Officer Diller in a heartfelt post. He expressed his support for Diller's family and all law enforcement officers, stating, "We love you, we appreciate you, and we will always stand with you!"
Meanwhile, the White House issued a statement on behalf of President Biden, expressing condolences to Officer Diller's family and the entire NYPD community. White House officials did not comment on whether President Biden would personally connect with Diller's family during his visit to New York City for a campaign fundraising event at Radio City Music Hall.
Mayor Adams shared that President Biden had personally called him, asking him to convey his sympathies to Diller's family. Adams assured that he would fulfill this request during the wake, as a gesture of support from the highest office in the country.
As the community came together to honor Officer Diller, the outpouring of support extended beyond words. A GoFundMe campaign organized to support Diller's family has raised an astonishing $470,000 as of Thursday morning. Additionally, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has pledged to pay off the mortgage on Diller's Massapequa Park home, where he lived with his wife and one-year-old son, Ryan.
The final farewell to Officer Jonathan Diller will take place on Saturday at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church in Massapequa, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life and mourn his untimely loss. His memory will forever be cherished, and his dedication to protecting the community will never be forgotten.