Jury to Decide Fate of Man Charged in 2024 Killing of NYPD Officer

The case briefly became a focal point during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:18am

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A jury will soon decide the fate of Guy Rivera, a man charged in the 2024 shooting death of New York City police officer Jonathan Diller. The fatal shooting briefly became a focal point during President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign to reclaim the White House, with Trump casting the Democrat-led city as a hotbed of crime. The prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments on Tuesday, with the key question being whether Rivera intended to shoot Diller during the March 25, 2024, traffic stop in Queens.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public, as well as the politicization of high-profile crimes. The shooting death of Officer Diller was used as a 'law and order' issue by Trump during his campaign, raising questions about the role of politics in criminal justice.

The details

According to prosecutors, video evidence and testimony from officers showed that Rivera pulled out a concealed handgun and intentionally shot Diller during the traffic stop. However, Rivera's lawyer argued that the shooting was unintentional, claiming the gun accidentally discharged as another officer struggled with Rivera. The defense also suggested that the officers' testimony contradicted their own body camera footage and that they had a 'motive to lie'.

  • On March 25, 2024, the shooting incident occurred during a traffic stop in Queens.
  • The jury is expected to begin deliberating on Wednesday.

The players

Guy Rivera

The defendant charged with the 2024 shooting death of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.

Jonathan Diller

The NYPD officer who was fatally shot during the 2024 traffic stop in Queens.

John Kosinski

The prosecutor in the case against Guy Rivera.

Jamal Johnson

The defense lawyer representing Guy Rivera.

Donald Trump

The former president who attended the funeral of Officer Diller and used the case as a 'law and order' issue during his 2024 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Diller chose life. The defendant chose differently.”

— John Kosinski, Prosecutor

“This is not intentional. This is not targeted.”

— Jamal Johnson, Defense Lawyer

“We don't tell a story to fit the facts. The facts tell the story. He pulled the trigger. It was in his hands. That's what happened here.”

— John Kosinski, Prosecutor

“The police are the greatest people we have. There's nothing and there's nobody like them. And this should never happen.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The jury is expected to begin deliberating on Wednesday in the trial, which has lasted about three weeks. Rivera could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of first-degree murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public, as well as the potential for political exploitation of high-profile crimes. The shooting death of Officer Diller became a 'law and order' issue during Trump's 2024 campaign, raising questions about the role of politics in criminal justice and the need for impartial and transparent investigations.