A retired 9/11 first responder and neighbor of slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul, along with liberal district attorneys and judges, stating that they have “blood on their hands.” The two men connected to Diller’s fatal shooting had at least 20 prior arrests, with the shooter, 34-year-old Guy Rivera, allegedly opening fire during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Diller, who was struck in the torso below his protective vest, did not survive the encounter. Both Rivera and the driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old Lindy Jones, had extensive arrest records, according to Mayor Eric Adams.
The neighbor of Officer Diller, Michael Blangiforti, a retired NYPD officer himself, criticized Governor Hochul for supporting bail reform policies that he believes contributed to the tragic outcome. Blangiforti expressed frustration with the governor’s response to Diller’s death, calling it “canned” and insincere. He argued that policies supporting bail reform and revolving door justice are responsible for releasing violent offenders back onto the streets, which puts the lives of law enforcement officers and citizens at risk.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted recidivism, severe mental illness, and random acts of violence as the main issues driving crime in the city. He called on Albany lawmakers to enact legislation in response to Diller’s death and another fatal incident involving a subway shoving. Adams emphasized the need to address recidivism and ensure that violent offenders do not continue to evade justice and be released back into society where they can harm others.
Blangiforti pointed to the 2015 shooting death of Officer Brian Moore, who served in the same precinct as Diller, as evidence of the ongoing dangers faced by law enforcement officers in New York City. He criticized district attorneys, judges, and lawmakers for their role in releasing violent felons back onto the streets, contributing to a culture where criminals no longer fear the police. Blangiforti highlighted the need for a change in policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Blangiforti expressed concern about the growing disdain towards police officers and the lack of support for law enforcement in society. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of the majority of police officers who work tirelessly to protect their communities. Blangiforti called for a shift in priorities towards ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens over the rights of criminals, arguing that current policies are failing to protect innocent victims from violent crime.
As a former law enforcement officer who has attended many officers’ funerals during his career, Blangiforti stressed the importance of recognizing the impact of Diller’s death on the entire law enforcement community. He highlighted the sense of kinship and solidarity among current and retired officers, emphasizing that the loss of an officer affects everyone in the profession. Blangiforti reiterated the need for meaningful change in policies and priorities to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Officer Diller’s life.
