NEW YORK CITY - On March 24, 2024, Officer Jonathan Diller of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) was gunned down by a gutless coward during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Diller and his partner were investigating a vehicle parked at a bus stop when Guy Rivera, a career criminal with over 21 arrests, opened fire on the officer, the New York Post reported.
Officer Diller–a three-year veteran, was shot in the stomach below his ballistic vest and succumbed to his wounds at Jamaica Hospital. Jonathan Diller leaves his wife and one-year-old son.
At Thursday’s wake, former President Donald Trump addressed mourners and the media outside, with the former president calling for the “toughening up” of law and order.
“What happened is such a sad event,” Trump told reporters. “It’s happening all too often, and we’re just not going to let it happen."
Meanwhile, at the same time, Joe Biden was appearing at a fundraising concert for his presidential campaign at Radio City Music Hall…because–priorities.
On Thursday, Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of Tunnels to Towers Foundation, announced that the charity will pay off the mortgage for Officer Diller’s widow, Stephanie.
“Every day Officer Diller donned his uniform, there was a risk he may not come home,” Siller said. “We will honor Officer Diller not only for his sacrifice but for his unwavering resolve to protect the people of New York City by ensuring his family can stay in their home forever.”
The initiative is part of the Tunnels to Towers Fallen First Responder Home Program, which pays off mortgages for the families of police officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty or pass away from 9/11-related illnesses and who leave behind young children.
CEO Dave Portnoy announced that in addition to Tunnels to Towers, Barstool Sports is selling crewneck sweatshirts and t-shirts, with 100% of net proceeds being donated to Diller’s family. He said on Wednesday that Barstool had raised about $240,000 selling the merchandise and that he would personally match the amount raised on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
In addition to Tunnels to Tower and Barstool Sports, Fund The First announced a crowdfunding campaign to assist Officer Diller’s family. CEO Robert Garland, a retired NYPD detective, posted on Facebook and cross-posted on X that all funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign would be donated to Officer Diller’s family to assist with any unexpected expenses and support of their son.
“Although we have not yet had direct communication with Officer Diller’s family, I want to reassure our community that every donation made through this fundraiser will be directed exclusively to Officer Diller’s spouse,” Garland wrote on the company’s Facebook page.
Garland said the fundraiser will only remain active for three days, ending on 3/31/2024.
“As the CEO of our platform and as a retired NYPD detective from Massapequa, the tragic news of Officer Diller’s incident resonates deeply with me,” Garland wrote. “It is my unwavering commitment to ensure that Officer Diller’s family receives the continued support they need during this challenging period.”
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