What is it?

Is it a wasp or hornet?

Is it a fly pretending to be a wasp or hornet?

Or a moth doing the same?

No, it's a long-horned beetle, one often seen in the Shakespeare Garden: a Locust Borer. I photographed it there yesterday after it was deftly captured by Nick. The second photo was taken shortly after its release as it continued to feed on goldenrod.