NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Thursday slammed the shocking mixed verdict delivered in the slay case involving tragic hero NYPD cop Jonathan Diller, calling it a “gut punch” to all of New York’s Finest.
“I am deeply disappointed that the top murder charge did not result in a conviction. … I am convinced that this was an act of intentional murder,” Tisch told reporters.
After mere hours of deliberation Wednesday, a 12-person Queens jury acquitted cop-killer Guy Rivera of the top charge of first-degree murder, instead settling on a manslaughter charge in the slaying of the officer and married dad.
“The failure to convict on Murder One landed like a gut punch to all members of the NYPD,’’ Tisch raged.
“The defendant was convicted on all other counts, and we expect the sentence in this case to reflect the gravity of what was done. Two years ago, Jonathan was killed in the line of duty while doing what he had chosen to do, protecting the city,’’ Tisch said.
“He stepped toward danger without hesitation, and he did it as part of a life that was defined by service.”
“Jonathan’s life, his service and his legacy will remain a part of this department carried forward by the men and women of the NYPD,’’ the city’s top cop said. “May his memory continue to be a blessing.”
Cops told The Post they also are outraged by the verdict they view as nonsensical.
“It doesn’t make sense. I don’t know what evidence they were looking at. How can he be guilty of attempted murder and not murder?” asked an angry Brooklyn officer.
A Staten Island cop added, “How can they say there was no intent?
“He had a gun, and he has been arrested before. He intentionally pulled the trigger on the other officer,” the officer said of Rivera.
Rivera had been arrested 21 previous times before he fatally shot Diller on March 25, 2024 during a caught-on-camera scuffle in Far Rockaway.
He faces up to 90 years without parole for the four counts he was convicted of, with a maximum of 40 years on the attempted-slay rap alone.
He would have faced a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted on the top charge of first-degree murder.
