New York City was left in shock on Monday following the tragic shooting death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, 31, during a routine car stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Officer Diller, a decorated public servant known for his selflessness, was fatally shot by Guy Rivera, 34, after approaching a suspiciously parked Kia that was blocking a bus stop.
Officer Diller’s murder has struck a chord with New Yorkers, who are increasingly concerned about rising crime rates and a sense of lawlessness in the city. A recent poll conducted by the Citizens Budget Commission revealed that only a third of New Yorkers are satisfied with the safety of their neighborhoods. Confidence in subway safety has also plummeted, with less than half of respondents feeling secure riding the subway during the day, and only 22% at night.
The incident unfolded at around 6 p.m., causing panic among commuters at the nearby Rockaway-Mott Avenue station. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective solutions to combat crime. However, New York’s progressive leaders continue to advocate for policies that undermine the basic tools of law enforcement, such as police presence, prosecution, and incarceration.
During recent City Council hearings, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is also running for governor, downplayed the perception of crime and dismissed the effectiveness of bail reform. Williams claimed that recidivism rates remained similar or even decreased since the implementation of bail reform in 2019. However, NYPD’s Crime Control Strategies Chief Michael Lipetri refuted this claim, stating that recidivism is at its highest levels since 2017.
The shooter, Guy Rivera, had a lengthy criminal history with 21 prior arrests, including nine for felonies. He had recently been released on parole after serving a five-year sentence for drug-related offenses. Rivera was found to have a shiv concealed in his rectum at the time of the shooting, indicating his intent to return to prison. His associate, Lindy Jones, who was in the driver’s seat, also had a history of criminal activity, including robbery and assault.
The rise in rapid re-offenders like Rivera and Jones is a growing concern. Chief Lipetri highlighted that the percentage of robbery arrestees committing another felony within 60 days has increased from 8% in 2017 to 25% in 2022. Williams dismissed the comparison, suggesting that keeping individuals in jail does not solve the problem and advocating for alternative approaches.
Officer Jonathan Diller’s tragic death has left behind a grieving wife, Stephanie, and their one-year-old son, Ryan. The Silver Shield Foundation, established by late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, is accepting contributions to support Ryan’s future education. Donations can be made at silvershieldfoundation.org/donate or sent to the Silver Shield Foundation at 870 UN Plaza, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10017.
New York’s leaders must confront the reality that a conscientious police force remains the most effective solution to maintaining public safety. Officer Diller’s sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, with assaults on cops rising by 20% over the past 14 months, including a 72% increase in officer stabbings.
It is crucial for city and state leadership to acknowledge the failures of de-policing, bail reform, parole reform, and the weakening of enforcement for “low-level offenses.” The pursuit of root causes should not come at the expense of public safety. New York’s leaders must take responsibility and implement effective solutions to address the current crime predicament.
