A local official expressed the significance of former President Donald Trump’s visit to the family of slain New York City police officer Jonathan Diller.
Diller, 31, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens, with two men arrested in connection to his death, both with extensive criminal histories.
Following Trump’s departure from the funeral home in Massapequa, New York, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman described the presence of Trump at Diller’s wake as a source of great comfort for the grieving family.
“It was very warm inside,” Blakeman said. “They were very blessed to have someone like President Trump who cared so much, spent a lot of time with the family, and was, again, a tremendous comfort to the family. In probably the most difficult time this family has ever had.”
“It’s an honor for me to be here,” Trump said. Trump called Diller’s death “a sad, sad event. It’s a horrible thing, and it’s happening all too often.”
According to the New York Post, Guy Rivera, 34, has been charged with the murder of a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with Diller’s death.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s statement revealed that Rivera, seated in an illegally parked vehicle on Monday night, was asked by Diller to exit the car.
When Rivera failed to comply and was instructed to remove his hands from his pockets, he allegedly drew a gun and shot Diller.
The driver of the vehicle, Lindy Jones, has also been arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon.
Trump mentioned that the individuals involved in the incident have extensive criminal histories.
“They don’t learn because they don’t respect,” Trump said, adding, “Police are the greatest people we have.”
“We have to stop it,” Trump said. “We have to get back to law and order. The only thing we can say is maybe something is going to be learned. We’ve got to toughen it up. We’ve got to strengthen it up.”
Trump said, “We need law and order. These things can’t happen. We have to cherish our police, not defund our police.”
“I was telling Stephanie, the wife, who’s incredible, a 1-year-old baby who doesn’t know that his life has been greatly affected by this,” Trump said. “I said something has to come out of it, and the only thing that you could really think that could come out of it is we get stronger and tougher so this doesn’t keep happening.”
