- An NYPD spokesperson confirmed rumors that Trump planned to attend the vigil on Thursday
- Diller, a three-year veteran of the NYPD, was allegedly shot and killed by suspect Guy Rivera during a routine traffic stop.
- Trump’s visit to New York will take place on the same day that Biden is hosting an expensive fundraiser in Manhattan.
Former President Donald Trump plans to attend the aftermath Thursday of Jonathan Diller, a New York Police Department officer who was killed during a traffic stop.
A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed rumors that Trump planned to attend Thursday’s wake at Massapequa Funeral Home in New York.
Diller, a three-year veteran of the NYPD, was allegedly shot and killed by suspect Guy Rivera after he and another man were pulled over for illegal parking at a bus stop. He leaves behind a wife and a son.
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, plans to attend the vigil
Diller and another officer approached the vehicle and ordered Rivera and another man out. Rivera reportedly refused, causing a scuffle after the other passenger opened the door to comply with the officer’s orders.
Rivera then allegedly fired his gun, with the bullet striking Diller in the torso beneath his body armor. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, but eventually died in hospital. Riviera has 21 previous arrests, including nine felonies.
Trump has a long history of honoring the NYPD and police officers, even endorsing the death penalty for criminals convicted of killing law enforcement officers.
“In my administration, we strongly believe that criminals who kill officers should receive the death penalty,” he said in 2019 at the joint Major County Sheriffs and Major Cities Chiefs Association conference in Washington, DC.
A 101 officer closes his eyes and touches the photo of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.
Officers from the NYPD Community Response Team of which Officer Jonathan Diller was a member arrive outside the Chief Medical Examiner’s office on E. 30th Street for the dignified transfer of Officer Diller
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Diller’s death was another “painful reminder of the toll of gun violence.”
The White House responded to Diller’s death during its daily news conference on Wednesday when reporters asked about the incident.
“Our thoughts go out to this officer who tragically died in the line of duty,” said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “We also pray for his family during this difficult time, who now have an empty chair at their dining room table.”
She added that Diller’s death was “yet another painful reminder of the toll of gun violence.”
President Biden will also be in New York on Thursday for a pricey fundraiser in Manhattan with former President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton.
