Donald Trump expressed his condolences by attending the wake of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller on Thursday. Afterward, when addressing the media, he emphasized his admiration for the police force by stating, “Police are the greatest people.”
Recalling a campaign rally in Ohio earlier this month, it becomes evident that anyone who believes Trump’s sincerity in his words or his genuine respect at the wake may need to reconsider.
At the beginning of the March 16 event in Vandalia, Trump paid his respects as the sound system played a recording of the J6 Prison Choir singing the national anthem inside the District of Columbia jail.
On January 6, Stager was held in the D.C. Jail, where a recording was made over a cellblock phone. This recording served as evidence against Stager. The J6 Prison choir recording was part of the evidence. Trump introduced the song “Justice for All” during a rally in Waco, Texas on March 25, 2023. This rally marked the beginning of his campaign for re-election.
Trump expressed his admiration for those individuals, stating, “Our people have a genuine fondness for them.”
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters were seen standing on a U.S. Capitol Police armored vehicle.
Since then, Trump has repeatedly played it, transitioning from standing with his hand over his heart to giving a hand salute this month.
During a speech in Ohio, Trump expressed his admiration for the spirit and resilience of the hostages, whom he referred to as “unbelievable patriots.” He acknowledged that they had been treated poorly and unfairly, and pledged to work towards improving their situation. Trump described their imprisonment as a disgrace, highlighting his commitment to addressing their plight.
In a post on Truth Social, he declared, “As your next President, my first actions will involve closing the border, drilling for energy, and freeing the January 6 hostages who are currently being wrongfully imprisoned!”
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, around 127 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. These individuals are facing charges of using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer.
Thirteen days after Trump’s vow to rescue the “hostages,” Officer Diller, a 31-year-old law enforcement officer, tragically lost his life. He was shot in the stomach, despite wearing a bullet-resistant vest, while approaching an illegally parked vehicle in Far Rockaway, Queens. Officer Diller leaves behind a grieving wife and a one-year-old child.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Officer Jonathan Diller, a highly decorated NYPD officer whose life was tragically cut short by a ruthless career criminal during a routine traffic stop in Queens,” expressed Trump in a heartfelt statement.
On Wednesday, he posted on Truth Social.
“We express our love and gratitude to Officer Diller’s family, as well as all the courageous men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives every day. We stand by your side and will always support you!”
Trump seems to have conveniently overlooked the fact that 140 officers were assaulted at the Capitol by individuals he refers to as “patriots” and “hostages.” However, when it comes to 34-year-old Guy Rivera, a career criminal who was arrested in connection with the officer’s death, Trump had no qualms in using the word “thug” to describe him. He also criticized Rivera’s release from lockup, suggesting that it should never have happened.
Trump’s words resonated deeply with Diller’s grieving colleagues, who longed to hear someone express such sentiments. These sentiments have led many law enforcement officers in New York and beyond to believe that Trump genuinely cares about their interests, despite his actions suggesting otherwise.
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump campaign, later revealed that the former president, who considers himself a proponent of law and order despite facing four indictments, would be present at Diller’s wake on Long Island this Thursday.
President Trump expressed his deep sympathy and condolences to the family and colleagues of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who tragically lost his life. He was profoundly touched by the invitation extended to him to join them during this difficult time, as they grapple with the senselessness of his death.
Leavitt did not disclose the identity of the person who had invited Trump, and the campaign did not provide any response to The Daily Beast’s inquiry. The Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York spokesperson also expressed unawareness regarding the person who extended the invitation to Trump. However, it was later revealed that Trump was invited by Bruce Blakeman, a Republican and the Nassau County Executive.
President Joe Biden was scheduled to be in New York on Thursday for a major fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall, where he would be joined by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. It is worth noting that there are no reports of Biden being invited to attend Diller’s wake, which speaks volumes about the sentiments of most New York cops and their families towards him.
New Yorkers express their condolences at a memorial dedicated to the memory of the fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, located outside the 101st Precinct.
If Trump’s presence was not merely a political ploy, enhanced by the contrast with Biden, he could have opted to visit the Massapequa Funeral Home without prior public announcement. He could have privately paid his respects at the coffin, offering heartfelt condolences to Stephanie, the widow.
Trump’s campaign actively engages with the media, despite often criticizing it. He craves the spotlight and seeks attention, whether it’s for controversial statements supporting law enforcement misconduct or paying tribute to a fallen officer.
Trump arrived at the wake at 2 p.m., accompanied by Blakeman and welcomed by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. After spending 30 minutes with Diller’s family, friends, and fellow officers, he stepped outside and took a moment to address the reporters.
As he spoke about Diller’s “very beautiful wife” and son, he almost sounded capable of empathy.
“That child, a brand new and beautiful baby, sits there innocent as can be, unaware of how his life has been transformed,” Trump expressed. “However, the Diller family will understand. Their lives will never be the same again.”
The words he spoke might seem meaningful, but they lack sincerity for those who are aware of his previous statements about the individuals who attacked Diller’s colleagues during the insurrection on January 6th.
Pay no mind to what Trump said. Instead, direct your attention to the heartfelt words spoken by Joseph McCauley, Diller’s brother-in-law, during a moving candlelight vigil the previous evening.
“He had a deep passion for his work. He was destined to be a police officer, a true hero. And in the end, he lost his life while courageously carrying out his duty. He stayed true to his calling until the very end.”
McCauley expressed that Diller had a profound impact on him, stating that he would always be a better person because of him.
