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Slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s widow demanded change from lawmakers on Saturday in a gut-wrenching eulogy honoring her husband. 

Stephanie Diller called her 31-year-old husband’s death “devastating” and “senseless,” as the couple’s young son was held steps behind her on the altar of St. Rose of Lima Church. 

Her moving tribute peppered with anecdotes from their early days of dating and childhood memories came moments after Diller was posthumously promoted to detective, with his new badge number paying tribute to his son’s birthday. 

“My husband died a hero, but he also lived as one,” Stephanie Diller said.

Following the service, the 1-year-old, named Ryan, was pictured reaching out from behind his father’s casket as his mom planted kisses on his head. 

Diller was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Queens on Monday.

Thousands of NYPD’s Finest and officers from as far away as Toronto descended on Massapequa to honor the fallen cop.

How Post readers can help

You can help Officer Jonathan Diller’s 1-year-old son via the Silver Shield Foundation, which will help fund his future education. Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens, leaving behind his wife, Stephanie, and baby Ryan.

The Silver Shield Foundation was launched in 1982 by late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for the families of NYPD officers and FDNY firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty.

You can make a contribution at silvershieldfoundation.org/donate or send it to: Silver Shield Foundation, 870 UN Plaza, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10017.

This live blog has ended.

What we covered

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul defends going to slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s wake after being told ‘his blood is on your hands’

By Rich Calder

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she “understands” why slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s family is “outraged,” but insisted Saturday she was never told to leave the hero cop’s wake — despite being abruptly told “his blood is on your hands.”

“I would do it again, and that’s my job,” said Hochul, defending her decision to attend Diller’s wake a day earlier on Long Island.

“We were told the family is welcoming. We always check, and they said to come, and I went. And no one told me to leave,” Hochul also told Politico during an Easter event at the governor’s mansion in Albany.

Gov. Kathy Hochul insisted that she wasn't told to leave slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller's wake.
Gov. Kathy Hochul insisted that she wasn't told to leave slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller's wake. Dennis A. Clark

Speaking with Rev. Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation later Saturday, Hochul said she spoke with Diller’s wife Stephanie and other family members at the wake and conceded, “Everyone is just so distraught – and, yes, there’s a lot of anger.”

“Understandably there’s anger about how these individuals could commit crimes over and over and are back out on the street again,” added Hochul, who didn’t attend Saturday’s funeral service.

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Young widow of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller rips elected officials for allowing NYC crime to spiral during devastating eulogy

By Georgett Roberts , Khristina Narizhnaya , Larry Celona and Mary Kay Linge

The young widow of slain hero cop Jonathan Diller tore into elected officials for allowing crime in NYC to spiral unchecked, as an estimated 10,000 people gathered in Long Island to salute her husband at his funeral Saturday.

“How many more police officers and how many more families have to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start protecting them?” Stephanie Diller, 29, tearfully demanded during her devastating eulogy inside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Massapequa.

Stephanie Diller with a flag presented to her at the funeral.
Stephanie Diller with a flag presented to her at the funeral. REUTERS

Diller was fatally shot Monday during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, by a pair of career criminal with dozens of prior arrests, authorities said.

His widow’s speech recounted warm memories of her 31-year-old husband and their life together — as their adorable son Ryan, 1, dressed in a tiny navy blue suit, innocently babbled over her shoulder.

“I am so proud that thousands of people across the country are calling Jonathan a hero,” she said. “But the truth is he’s always been a hero to Ryan and me. The rest of the world is just catching up.”

Diller's casket arriving at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa.
Diller's casket arriving at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa. Getty Images

The solemn service took place on Holy Saturday, one of the most mournful dates on the Christian calendar, and featured a scripture reading centered on St. Michael, the traditional patron saint of police officers.

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Hochul says she 'understands' outrage of Diller's family after tense confrontation at wake for slain detective, confirms 'no one told me to leave'

By Rich Calder and Nikki Mascali Roarty

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she "understands" the anger surrounding the fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller Saturday evening — one day after his distraught family told her “his blood is on your hands."

“It’s been a heartbreaking experience for all New Yorkers who grieve with this family — especially a widow who has a 1-year-old son who will be raised without his father," the governor told MSNBC's Al Sharpton on "PoliticsNation."

"I went to the wake to meet the family and speak to everyone —, his wife, his mother, his father, brother, sister. Everyone is just so distraught, and yes there’s a lot of anger. Understandably there’s anger about how these individuals could commit crimes over and over and are back out on the street again," she added.

Gov. Kathy Hochul arriving at Jonathan Diller's wake on March 29, 2024.
Gov. Kathy Hochul arriving at Jonathan Diller's wake on March 29, 2024. Dennis A. Clark

One of Diller's family members "was going crazy" on the governor in a tense, caught-on-camera scene at the 31-year-old's wake Friday night, sources told The Post Saturday.

“He said, ‘We don’t want you here. You’re not wanted here. You have blood on your hands. If you want to do something, change the bail laws,'” the source continued.

Diller, who had just three years on the force, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens Monday. Both suspects in the incident are ex-cons with lengthy rap sheets.

"So that is one of the reasons why we worked hard with the Legislature last year to change the bail laws so the judges have more discretion, and there’s a lot of complicated factors here but I totally understand the outrage of the family. I really do," she insisted to Sharpton.

"We are really working hard to keep crime down.”

Diller's family members told Hochul that “his blood is on your hands" at his wake.
Diller's family members told Hochul that “his blood is on your hands" at his wake. Dennis A. Clark

She claimed her recent deployment of the National Guard in city subways has led to “crime going down” as has Mayor Eric Adams’ efforts to bring in “reinforcements."

“We are getting guns off the street but we have so much more work to do," she said.

Speaking at an Easter event at the Executive Mansion in Albany, the governor said she was told "the family is welcoming" for her visit to the wake and that "no one told me to leave."

Initial reports of the confrontation by Diller's relative indicated that she was forced to exit the service, according to Politico.

'True hero' Jonathan Diller 'made the ultimate sacrifice' for NYC: NYPD patrol chief

By Nikki Mascali Roarty

Slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller was a "true hero," Chief of Patrol John Chell said after the 31-year-old was laid to rest Saturday.

"Today, we joined together to mourn and say our final goodbyes to Detective Jonathan Diller, a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his city," Chell wrote on X.

Today, we joined together to mourn and say our final goodbyes to Detective Jonathan Diller, a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his city. His bravery and dedication to keeping his community safe will never be forgotten. #FidelisAsMortempic.twitter.com/LL1bBImBdl

— NYPD Chief of Patrol (@NYPDChiefPatrol) March 30, 2024

"His bravery and dedication to keeping his community safe will never be forgotten. #FidelisAsMortem."

The Latin phrase meaning "Faithful Unto Death" is the NYPD's motto.

Chell's post also included photos of officers saluting Diller's casket, his widow Stephanie holding an American flag as her 1-year-old son, Ryan, was held next to her, NYPD helicopters flying overhead and Diller's flag-draped casket being loaded into the hearse after his funeral.

Diller's funeral was held at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park and his body was interred at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Read the heartbreaking eulogy given by slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s widow: ‘My husband died a hero’

By New York Post

Hello everyone, I am Stephanie Diller, Jonathan’s wife.

I had not had the opportunity to speak before this moment, so what I would like to say, on behalf of the entire Diller family, is thank you all for the support this week.

The outpouring of love that our family has received has been overwhelming and we are forever thankful to everyone.

With every hug that I’ve received, I just picture that each one is from Jonathan.

Stephanie Diller delivered a powerful eulogy at her late husband NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller's funeral on March 30, 2024.
Stephanie Diller delivered a powerful eulogy at her late husband NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller's funeral on March 30, 2024. NYPD

I wish Jonathan was here to see the incredible kindness and generosity that has been shown to our family. But I know in his own way he is here watching over us.

I am so proud that thousands of people across the country are calling Jonathan a hero. But the truth is he’s always been a hero to Ryan and me. The rest of the world is just catching up. Although he was beyond proud to be a member of NYPD, his career was one of his many roles.

I want to also honor Jonathan for who he was out of uniform. I am not sure where to start and I could probably talk about Jonathan for hours, so I’ll start from the beginning.

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Slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller laid to rest on Long Island

By Georgett Roberts and Nikki Mascali Roarty

NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller has been interred at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery in Farmingdale.

The hearse carrying the 31-year-old's casket was flanked by saluting officers as it made its procession to the gravesite.

Thousands paid their respects to the fallen Finest during his funeral at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park.

Diller was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Queens Monday. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, 29, and 1-year-old son, Ryan.

Following Diller's funeral, photos captured a gut-wrenching moment when the tot reached out behind his father's flag-draped casket as it was taken to the awaiting hearse, and his heartbroken mother kissed her son's head.

Stephanie Diller, the widow of New York Police Department (NYPD) Officer Jonathan Diller, a three-year veteran of the NYPD on the specialized Community Response Team, who was shot and killed March 25 during traffic stop, follows his casket as they depart the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park, New York, U.S., March 30, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Diller's widow Stephanie Diller holds their 1-year-old son Ryan outside St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park. REUTERS

Retired NYPD sergeant urges pols who support bail reform to 'walk a beat sometime' as he teared up at Diller's funeral

By Nikki Mascali Roarty

Retired NYPD Sgt. Brian Foley teared up as he stood in uniform outside Detective Jonathan Diller's funeral Saturday afternoon, recalling a previous service for another fallen Finest — and urges lawmakers who support bail reform to "walk a beat."

“I did this a couple of years ago, same church, same town, same everything," the 46-year-old, who retired from Patrol Borough Queens South last year, recalled of attending services for Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, who was also shot in the line of duty in November 2016.

Tuozzolo, a 41-year-old father of two, was fatally shot in the head during a Bronx shootout with an ex-con.

Pallbearers from NYPD carrying the casket of Officer Jonathan Diller into St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church for his funeral, with retired Sgt. Brian Foley and celebrities Smriti Mehra, Mike Mitchell in attendance
Retired NYPD Sgt. Brian Foley urged New York lawmakers who support bail reform to "walk a beat" with police officers. James Keivom for New York Post

“I was lined up over here. It impacts you every time. You’re thinking of the family, the child that will never know his father, it hits home when you have your own kids," Foley told The Post.

"It’s one of the most beautiful things to see all these people standing together for one reason, you can hear a pin drop. It is also the saddest thing I’ve ever seen in my life," he added.

"I teared up a little, I have two young kids at home with my wife. I retired recently, so through all the years she had to deal with me going to work never knowing what could possibly happen.”

While leaving family to go to work becomes second nature, "You always make sure you say goodbye to them and you pray you saw them in the morning. ... every day they’re on your mind when something like this happens. ... When you get home, you hug your kids and you give your wife a better kiss than you have in a long time.”

Foley remembered attending the funeral for Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, who was shot and killed while on duty in 2016.
Foley remembered attending the funeral for Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, who was shot and killed while on duty in 2016.

Diller's accused killer, Guy Rivera, who opened fire during a routine traffic stop on Monday, had 21 prior arrests. Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel who was arrested after a second gun was found in the vehicle, also had a lengthy rap sheet.

“It’s despicable. He had over 20 arrests, career criminal already with a firearm. His driver had how many arrests, and had a firearm. It’s unbelievable," Foley lamented.

He urges politicians who support New York's controversial bail reform to "walk a beat. They should walk a beat and then they can come talk to me."

He also joined the chorus of those who said Gov. Kathy Hochul has "blood on her hands" for Diller's untimely death.

Police officers attending Tuozzolo's funeral in Massapequa.
Police officers attending Tuozzolo's funeral in Massapequa. Dennis A. Clark

Hochul was confronted by a member of Diller's grieving family when she made a brief appearance at his wake Friday.

“I’m glad someone asked her to leave. That blood is on her hands," Foley said. "Bail reform is not a good thing. This is happening way too often. Assaults on police officers are up, not a good thing. Things have to change.”

Police line road leading to cemetery where Detective Jonathan Diller will be buried

By Olivia Land

Uniformed police officers lined the main road leading to St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, where Detective Jonathan Diller will be laid to rest Saturday afternoon.

The moving show of saluting officers watched as the procession carrying the family from the funeral service passed by.

The funeral procession.
Police watched as the funeral procession went to the cemetery in Farmingdale.
Firefighters saluting in uniform.
Firefighters also lined the road leading to the burial site.

The road to the cemetery was also lined with firefighters dressed in full uniform.

Up to 10,000 officers from as far away as Toronto and Miami are believed to have descended on Long Island to pay tribute to Diller, who was shot dead during a routine traffic stop Monday evening.

Fleet of cops on motorcycles precede hearse carrying Diller's body to cemetery: video

By Nikki Mascali Roarty

A fleet of motorcycle cops preceded the hearse carrying the body of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller to a Long Island cemetery Saturday afternoon.

Video shows the officers on the Southern State Parkway after the emotional funeral for Diller, 31, at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park.

Diller was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens on Monday.

At least 700 motorcycles from all over the country lined the path to the cemetery, standing at attention and saluting when the hearse passed en route to St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale for the burial.

Diller's family followed in black vans, The Post observed.

Civilian mourners stood along the road, some with fists raised and others holding Blue Lives Matter flags, the footage shows.

Detective Diller's family priest calls widow ‘the strongest person’

By Georgett Roberts and Olivia Land

The priest who led NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller’s funeral service nearly five years after he presided over his wedding says his 29-year-old widow Stephanie is “the strongest person” he’s ever met.

“She is strong. She’s one of the strongest person [sic] I’ve ever met,” Father Michael Duffy told The Post after the emotional Saturday morning service.

“To have that strength and people around her supporting her … but she got to be strong for the baby, which is so beautiful,” he added, referring to the couple’s 1-year-old son, Ryan.

Stephanie Diller clutching the flag that laid across her husband's casket on Saturday.
Stephanie Diller clutches the flag that laid across her husband's casket on Saturday. James Keivom

Duffy married the couple in November 2019 and recalled the joy of the couple’s ceremony during the funeral.

While the procession left the church, the priest was heard telling Stephanie, “He did love you with every fiber of his body. You guys are Jon’s everything.”

“I had the privilege of joining them in holy matrimony in 2019. Then I have this humbling experience of burying Jonathan. It’s a tragedy,” Duffy told The Post.

“We shouldn’t have to be here right now. There’s no reason for this. Why are we here right now? I’m here to pray. That’s my job. I’m not a politician. I’m here to be with Stephanie and baby Ryan and the family and call on everyone to a moment of trust in God,” he explained.

Father Michael Duffy married the Dillers in 2019, and performed Detective Diller's funeral service on Saturday.
Father Michael Duffy married the Dillers in 2019 and performed Detective Diller's funeral service on Saturday. NYPD

“There’s gonna be a lot of moments without. There will be a lot of firsts. They are going to be hard and I know that the family in the police department are going to be there for her,” Duffy added, referring to what the future holds for Stephanie and the rest of Diller’s family.

Duffy also spoke about former President Donald Trump’s visit with the family during the wake on Thursday.

“He met with the family, and after he met privately with Stephanie. He came into the wake and prayed at the casket,” he told The Post of the 40-minute stop.

Stephanie Diller and Ryan Diller.
Stephanie Diller with the couple's 1-year-old son, Ryan, after the funeral. James Keivom

“He spoke with a couple of family members, and then I asked him, ‘Mr. President, would you be willing to pray with us right now?’ He said, ‘Of course, Father.’ I led him in ‘Our Father.’ I gave everyone my blessing. It was just really a touching, beautiful moment,” the priest said of his own moment with the former commander-in-chief.

Gut-wrenching photos show Diller's son reaching out from behind casket as widow kisses tot's head

By Nikki Mascali Roarty

Gut-wrenching photos show the young son of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller reaching out as his father's casket leaves St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Saturday afternoon.

Diller's 1-year-old son, Ryan, was in the arms of his mother, Stephanie, who tenderly kissed the tot as they stood outside the church after Diller's funeral.

At least 10,000 mourners — including cops from as far away as Miami and Toronto — attended the service for the three-year department veteran, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens Monday.

Stephanie Diller, the wife of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, holds her son, Ryan, 1, as he reaches towards the casket of his father as pallbearers carry it to a Hearse during his funeral at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Massapequa, N.Y.  Diller, 31, was part of the NYPD's Critical Response Team and was gunned down by ex-con Guy Rivera during a traffic stop in Queens earlier this week. (James Keivom for New York Post)
Diller's 1-year-old son, Ryan, reaches out as his father's casket leaves the church Saturday. James Keivom
Stephanie Diller, the wife of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, holds her son, Ryan, 1, as he reaches towards the casket of his father as pallbearers carry it to a Hearse during his funeral at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Massapequa, N.Y.  Diller, 31, was part of the NYPD's Critical Response Team and was gunned down by ex-con Guy Rivera during a traffic stop in Queens earlier this week. (James Keivom for New York Post)
Diller's widow, Stephanie, kisses the tot's head after the heartwrenching moment. James Keivom

Cops traveled from Miami to Long Island for Diller's funeral: 'It hit me'

By Larry Celona and Nikki Mascali Roarty

Cops Jermaine Douglas and Shakimah Williams traveled from Miami to Long Island Saturday to pay their respects to their fallen brother in blue, NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller.

"Once I heard a cop lost his life, it hit me,” Douglas told The Post after Diller's heartwrenching funeral service in Massapequa Saturday.

“ I asked my supervisor if I could go to the funeral, and he said yes, render honors."

An estimated 10,000 mourners honored Diller, who was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Queens on Monday.

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