Entertainers are often leading the charge to bash the police.
But one musician let his fans know that he backs the blue.
And this country music star surprised a New York audience with a tribute to a fallen police officer.
New York City cop murdered by career criminal
New York City made headlines for all the wrong reasons again because of its soft-on-crime policies.
Guy Rivera – a criminal with 21 prior arrests – shot and killed New York Police Officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop.
Diller approached the car that Rivera was in because it was illegally parked at a bus stop when he was shot underneath his bulletproof vest.
The alleged murderer was out on parole for a drug conviction and police suspect that he was planning a robbery with the driver of the car.
Country star Zach Bryan pays tribute to Officer Diller
Zach Bryan is one of the rising stars in country music after beginning his musical career while serving in the Navy.
After he was honorably discharged in 2021, he released his major label debut album, American Heartbreak, one year later, which put him on the radar as an up-and-comer in the industry.
He’s playing arenas as part of his The Quittin Time Tour, where he made a stop at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York – roughly 20 miles from where Diller lived.
Bryan paid tribute to the fallen police officer during his show.
A picture of Diller was projected near the stage while the country star addressed the crowd about the tragedy.
“I got some really bad news this morning,” Bryan said. “Someone told me there was an officer named Jonathan Diller who passed away in the line of duty. He was from around right here. I want to say that this is heartbreaking, and I can’t even imagine. I’m going to try my best to sing this without messing it up. Just know that I respect and love you guys so much, and I am so sorry.”
He played the song Jake’s Piano, which references Long Island and is about losing someone you care about.
“And, Lord, I’ve been tryin’ to smile like you told me / Laugh like the old me, it comes out all wrong / The best parts of you are here, but you’re still gone,” Bryan sang.
“That’s for Officer Jonathan Diller,” Bryan said after the song.
The crowd erupted in cheers and began chanting “USA!” after the moving performance.
Zach Bryan’s tribute to Jonathan Diller at last night’s concert was powerful enough, but then this Long Island arena instantly busted out into a proud and patriotic “USA USA” chant. Was awesome to witness the moment in person. Gives you goosebumps. pic.twitter.com/opv8Wph0Vg
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) March 31, 2024
