Former President Trump’s campaign has stated that he will attend the wake of a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer slain in the course of duty earlier this week.
On Monday, a traffic check in Queens killed Officer Jonathan Diller, making him the first NYPD officer to die on the job in over two years. His wake is scheduled for Thursday.
“The invitation to join NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller’s family and colleagues as they deal with his senseless and tragic death moves President Trump,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told the Associated Press.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities apprehended both suspects in the shooting, the gunman and his passenger. Guy Rivera was accused of murder, and Lindy Jones was charged with illegally possessing guns.
Rivera shot the officer while wearing his protective vest after refusing to exit his car during a traffic stop, according to police. Diller returned fire, striking Rivera in the back. Transported to a nearby hospital, the cop succumbed to his injuries.
Mayor Eric Adams, a veteran police officer, described Diller’s shooting as “devastating” and added Tuesday, “These are bad people doing bad things to good people.” It’s good guys vs. bad guys.”
Trump has framed crime as a political wedge issue, portraying American cities as particularly dangerous and blaming Democrats for the carnage.
According to crime data, violent crime has declined across the country in recent years. According to FBI data released this month, crime in cities with more than a million inhabitants decreased by 11 percent last year.
Diller’s funeral will take place Saturday in New York City.
