New York — The likely Republican presidential nominee will attend Thursday's wake of a New York City police officer killed in the line of duty. Trump has made crime a theme of his third White House campaign and criticized President Joe Biden of lacking toughness.
Massapequa will host the viewing for Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed during a traffic check on Monday. Diller, 31, was wounded below his bulletproof vest while approaching an illegally parked automobile in Queens, police said. Diller, married with a 1-year-old son, died after being brought to the hospital.
Trump's visit coincides with Biden's fundraiser with Clinton and Obama in New York. The Republican Party's social media account aired headlines contrasting Trump's wake attendance with Biden's fundraiser after the former president's campaign announced it
Trump deplores crime in overwhelmingly Democratic cities, wants shoplifters murdered instantly, and wants to shield police personnel from misconduct claims. However, he has demonized local prosecutors, the FBI, and the Department of Justice over his criminal prosecutions and the investigation of his first campaign's Russia ties while president.
He has also supported individuals imprisoned for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol revolt, in which his enraged supporters overran police lines and battered Capitol and local police officials. Trump's campaign did not disclose his appearance or speech. “President Trump is moved by the invitation to join NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller's family and colleagues as they deal with his senseless and tragic death,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.
While campaigning in Georgia earlier this month, the former president and his supporters attacked Biden over violence and illegal immigration. Trump visited with Laken Riley's family in the state. Her death is blamed on an illegal Venezuelan immigrant.
Trump tweeted about Diller's death Tuesday, praising law enforcement and praying for his family. He labeled Diller's alleged shooter, Guy Rivera, a “thug” and claimed he “NEVER should have been let back out on the streets.” Police said Rivera had multiple prior offenses.
In two years, Diller was the first NYC police officer killed in action. The day after the second funeral for two New York City police officers who were shot, Biden visited the department's headquarters and spoke to officers and top brass. Biden has promised to expand federal-police cooperation to combat gun violence and illegal gun sales.
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