NYPD officer shot, killed during traffic stop leaves behind wife and baby

NEW YORK (WPIX) – The NYPD is mourning the loss of one of their own after Officer Jonathan Diller was shot and killed in Far Rockaway, Queens on Monday.

A procession escorted Diller’s body to a funeral home on Long Island Tuesday evening. A funeral service for Diller is scheduled for Saturday morning.

Diller, 31, was a husband and a father to a young child. His death is described as a senseless act of violence, and Mayor Eric Adams called him a hero.

“He put himself in harm’s way. He went towards the danger, all to keep the people we serve safe and to protect his fellow New Yorkers,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said.

NYPD officers were seen outside of the hospital where Diller was taken, saluting him as his body was transferred.

Diller was a three-year veteran of the police department, who was working for the community response team in Queens South when he was killed. During his career, he made more than 70 arrests.

Even after Diller was shot in the stomach, he still tried to disarm the shooter, according to authorities.

“The gun hit the ground; and as the perpetrator was still reaching for it, this cop was able to grab it, although he was still shot,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Diller’s passing marks the first death of an NYPD officer on the job since 2022 when officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera were ambushed and killed in Harlem during a domestic disturbance call.

The FDNY expressed its condolences over Diller’s death as well as Sen. James Sanders Jr, who said in part, “Officer Jonathan Diller dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community. His bravery and commitment will never be forgotten.”

“These police officers who pack the halls just lost a brother. Our hero police officer confronted this dangerous individual knowing that he was putting himself at risk, knowing that he had a family waiting for him at home. But he did it to protect the people of this city, and we need every single New Yorker to be with this family,” said PBA president Patrick Hendry.

A GoFundMe page was started for Diller’s family. So far, it’s raised more than $130,000.