Statement from Senator Addabbo on the Tragic Shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said: "In the wake of the heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Far Rockaway, Queens, where NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was fatally shot while performing his duties, our community is engulfed in mourning. Officer Diller was conducting a routine vehicle stop as part of the NYPD Critical Response Team, an initiative focused on addressing quality-of-life issues, when this tragic event occurred.

 

The details surrounding this incident are distressing. Officer Diller and his partner, in their commitment to public safety, stopped a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. Their standard procedure was met with unwarranted violence when, upon asking the occupants to exit the vehicle, the passenger, defying the officers, produced a firearm and shot Officer Diller below his bullet-resistant vest, inflicting fatal injuries.

 

This act of violence against a member of our police force is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe. Officer Diller's bravery and dedication to his duty, even in the face of such peril, underscore the profound sacrifice he and his fellow officers are willing to make for the safety of our citizens.

 

As we come to terms with this devastating loss, my thoughts are with Officer Diller's family, friends, and colleagues within the NYPD. This is a moment of profound sorrow for our city, and it is a stark reminder of the need for continued support for our law enforcement officers and the challenges they encounter in their line of duty.

 

I join Mayor Adams and the entire city in grieving this tremendous loss. It is incumbent upon us all to remember Officer Diller's sacrifice and to work tirelessly towards fostering a safer environment for both our residents and those who put their lives on the line to protect us.

 

In memory of Officer Jonathan Diller, let us renew our commitment to respect, support, and appreciate our law enforcement community. May his courage inspire us to strive for a peaceful and just society."