The Puck Drop
On Wednesday evening, tragedy struck in Queens as a New York City police officer was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop. Officer Jonathan Diller, a three-year veteran of the force, was tragically shot below his bullet-proof vest by a suspect in the vehicle.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed deep pain and sorrow over the loss of Officer Diller, who leaves behind a young child and his grieving wife. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny praised Diller’s bravery in attempting to disarm the shooter before succumbing to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
The suspected shooter was wounded by return fire from Officer Diller’s partner and is currently being treated for his injuries. Witnesses described a chaotic scene of gunfire and confusion as the tragedy unfolded, marking the first slaying of an NYPD officer in two years.
Mayor Adams condemned the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” and called for an end to attacks on officers. It is believed that one of the individuals in the vehicle had a previous gun charge, adding to the outrage over the incident.
The Police Benevolent Association of New York also issued a statement calling for an end to violence against law enforcement officers, highlighting the dangers they face every day in the line of duty. The community is mourning the loss of Officer Diller and standing in solidarity with his family during this difficult time.
