US News Metro Long Island Politics

Sports NFL MLB Olympics NBA NHL College Football College Basketball WNBA

Business Personal Finance

Entertainment TV Movies Music Celebrities Awards Theater

Lifestyle Weird But True Sex & Relationships Viral Trends Human Interest Parenting Fashion & Beauty Food & Drink Travel

Health Wellness Fitness Health Care Medicine Men’s Health Women’s Health Mental Health Nutrition

Science Space Environment Wildlife Archaeology

Today’s Paper Covers Columnists Horoscopes Crosswords & Games Sports Odds Podcasts Careers

Email Newsletters Official Store Home Delivery Tips

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

A Queens jury fails to deliver the full measure of justice a slain NYPD hero deserves

What were they thinking?

A Queens jury Wednesday inexplicably acquitted Guy Rivera of the top charge of first-degree murder in the death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, depriving him, his family and all of New York of a full measure of justice for a hero cop.

Yes, the jurors found Rivera guilty on a host of lesser charges — aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapons possession — which could (and should) send him to prison for life.

But it’s beyond baffling that any group of 12 reasonable people could have learned the facts of the case, listened to the testimony of Det. Diller’s brother officers and watched the bodycam footage of the homicide and not concluded that Rivera acted willfully and intentionally to murder the officer.

To refresh memories of the horrible case: On Mar. 25, 2024, four cops, including Diller, saw Rivera walking in Far Rockaway with a clear outline of a gun in his sweatshirt as he entered a car.

When Rivera refused to roll down his window or exit the vehicle, Det. Diller advised his team to pull the armed creep from the car.

More From Post Editorial Board

The week in whoppers: Ketanji Brown Jackson veers into the bizarre; Mich. Dem won’t cheer Khamenei’s death and more

Shutdown ends with America doubting there was ever any point to it in the first place

Trump’s forthright leadership will finish the job in Iran

What happened next is the crux of Rivera’s defense: While being removed from the car, his lawyer argued, Rivera’s gun “went off” because his arm was being pulled.

But why had Rivera drawn his weapon in the first place if he had no intention to use it?

Furthermore, guns only “go off” in movies. In real life, the trigger has to be pulled.

Not to mention that after shooting Diller, Rivera rammed his gun into the chest of another officer, Sgt. Sasha Rosen, and tried to pull the trigger.

Fortunately, the firearm jammed, sparing the NYPD from losing two officers that day.

Cops have a thankless job, bracing gun-toting thugs like Rivera, who had a record of 21 prior arrests.

And they understand the job entails risks; they know that every day could be the last one they kiss their families goodbye.

But part of what motivates them to do the next hard thing, amid declining police morale, is knowing the good people of New York have their backs.

Here’s the latest on the shocking mixed verdict reached for career criminal who killed NYPD hero Johnathan Diller

Top NYC lawyers baffled by ‘odd,’ rare Diller verdict: ‘Juries are never predictable’

NYPD boss rips mixed verdict in slaying of hero cop Jonathan Diller

Stunning verdict reached in shooting death of NYPD hero cop Jonathan Diller

NYPD hero’s murder trial erupts in chaos as jury split shockingly revealed

That they know the danger they face, and care.

By refusing to find him guilty of murder, the jury in the Rivera case only further demoralized the thin blue line that stands between us and violent disorder.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch aptly summed up the feelings of 35,000 sworn officers in response to the verdict: “The failure to convict on Murder One landed like a gut punch to all members of the NYPD.”

It’s good that Guy Rivera will face a long prison sentence, though absent a murder conviction, his chances of getting out on parole in 10 or 15 years are stronger than if he were facing a true life sentence.

But our cops face serious danger on the streets. And when they are attacked, let alone slain, they deserve every bit of justice.

It’s the least we can do to send them on their shifts confident that we appreciate the risks they face.

Kirsten Fleming When a 7-month-old baby is murdered in your city, leaders need to stop progressive procrastinating and do something

When a 7-month-old baby is murdered in your city, leaders need to stop progressive procrastinating and do something

Douglas Murray World leaders should be grateful the US is doing what's necessary in Iran

World leaders should be grateful the US is doing what's necessary in Iran

Miranda Devine Dems' callous rebuke of an Iryna Zarutska mural exposes their own twisted, backwards 'values'

Dems' callous rebuke of an Iryna Zarutska mural exposes their own twisted, backwards 'values'

Front Cover Back Cover

Trending Now on NYPost.com

This story has been shared 91,884 times. 91,884 Pam Bondi speaks out for the first time after Trump fired her as attorney general

Pam Bondi speaks out for the first time after Trump fired her as attorney general

This story has been shared 33,492 times. 33,492 Teen girl who went missing in Arizona over 30 years ago miraculously found alive

Teen girl who went missing in Arizona over 30 years ago miraculously found alive

This story has been shared 29,874 times. 29,874 Hochul in talks to make fat pork union deal that could lower retirement age for teachers to 55 — as part of staggering $1.5B plan

Hochul in talks to make fat pork union deal that could lower retirement age for teachers to 55 — as part of staggering $1.5B plan

Sharon Stone names the 'best kisser' in Hollywood: 'Kissed me out of my shoes'

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Crime 101’ on Amazon Prime Video, a Tight, Intriguing L.A. Crime-Thriller with Chris Hemsworth Leading a Stellar Cast

Pam Bondi speaks out for the first time after Trump fired her as attorney general

Sections & Features US News Metro World News Sports Sports Betting Business Opinion Entertainment Fashion & Beauty Shopping Lifestyle Real Estate Media Tech Science Health Travel Astrology Video Photos Alexa Covers Horoscopes Sports Odds Podcasts Crosswords & Games Columnists Classifieds

Post Sports+ Subscribe Articles Manage

Newsletters & Feeds Email Newsletters RSS Feeds NY Post Official Store Home Delivery Subscribe Manage Subscription Delivery Help

NY Post Official Store

Home Delivery Subscribe Manage Subscription

Help/Support About New York Post Editorial Standards New York Post Awards & Recognition Customer Service Apps Help Community Guidelines Contact Us Tips Newsroom Letters to the Editor Licensing & Reprints Careers Vulnerability Disclosure Program

New York Post Awards & Recognition

Contact Us Tips Newsroom Letters to the Editor Licensing & Reprints Careers Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Letters to the Editor

Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Apps iPhone App iPad App Android Phone Android Tablet

Advertise Media Kit Contact

© New York Post