OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the wake of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller on Long Island Thursday, according to officials who spoke to the New York Post, while President Joe Biden’s campaign will host a “party” fundraising event expected to raise tens of millions.
“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,” said Karoline Leavitt, the former commander-in-chief’s campaign spokesperson.
Diller, a 31-year-old married father, was on patrol in Far Rockaway on Monday when he was shot and fatally wounded by an ex-convict and his career criminal accomplice, according to police reports cited by The Post.
In an exclusive interview with The Post’s Michael Goodwin earlier this month, the former president who is leading President Joe Biden in most national polls — especially in battleground states — blamed the “radical lunatic left” for ruining American cities.
“The local police are not allowed to do their jobs anymore,” Trump said.
He also said Democrat-run cities “are being destroyed by the migrants” — who have been behind headline-making crime sprees, including The Big Apple.
“If you want to be a sanctuary city, then you’re not getting any federal money,” he said.
WATCH:
Police union in NY tells NYC politicians they are not welcome at wake for NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.
Trump, instead, was invited to attend. pic.twitter.com/v65ZDA12t6
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 28, 2024
The Post added:
In just three years on the job, Diller had more than 70 busts under his belt and was part of what relatives called “the real Blue Bloods family” — a reference to the hit CBS hit series about a family of Big Apple police officers.
His brother-in-law and cousin are both cops.
“Jon, there are no words to describe how devastated we are that you are gone,’’ his brother-in-law, Jonathan McAuley, wrote in a touching online tribute this week, The Post noted.
“You were a good man and a great father whose shoes can never be filled,’’ said McAuley. “I swear to you that I will look after your son as if he were my own.”
According to police, Guy Rivera, with 21 prior arrests, allegedly shot Diller in the stomach around 5:50 p.m. as the young officer approached the vehicle he was sitting in at a bus stop. It is believed Rivera may have been planning an armed robbery.
Other officers at the scene returned fire, injuring Rivera, who was a passenger in the car. They also arrested the driver, Lindy Jones, who has a history of serving time in state prison, The Post added.
Meanwhile, reports noted that Biden will attend a fundraiser in New York City with former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and a host of left-wing entertainers.
The event “is raising a whopping $25 million, setting a record for the biggest haul for a political event, his campaign said,” The Associated Press reported.
The AP added: “The Radio City Music Hall event will be a gilded exclamation mark on a recent burst of presidential campaign travel. Biden has visited several political battlegrounds in the three weeks since his State of the Union address served as a rallying cry for his reelection bid. The event also brings together more than three decades of Democratic leadership.”
The event, spanning several hours, offers varying levels of access based on donors’ contributions. The highlight is a moderated conversation on stage featuring the three presidents, facilitated by late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert. Additionally, there will be performances by musical artists such as Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, and Lea Michele, hosted by actress Mindy Kaling. Thousands are anticipated to attend, with ticket prices starting as low as $225, the AP added.
“But the party doesn’t stop there,” according to the campaign. First lady Jill Biden and DJ D-Nice are hosting an after-party at Radio City Music Hall with 500 guests.
Bottom line: As Trump mourns the loss of an NYPD officer, Biden’s campaign will be throwing a party.