Donald Trump To Emphasize Democrats' Soft-On-Crime Policies During Visit To Slain NYPD Officer's Wake

On Thursday, presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump will travel to Long Island, New York, to visit the wake of slain New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed while on duty on Monday and leaves behind a wife and one-year-old son. Trump, a New York native who has routinely stood up for the NYPD, will likely use the event as an example of rampant crime in Democrat-run cities and the danger it poses to everyday citizens.

As previously reported by the DC Enquirer, Officer Diller, and his partner were carrying out a traffic stop on two suspects for parking at a bus stop. One of the suspects, identified as 34-year-old Guy Rivera, who was illegally in possession of a firearm, decided he didn't want to return to prison, so he opened fire and hit Diller beneath his protective vest. His partner opened fire on the suspect, striking him in the back. Once Rivera was apprehended, officers quickly rushed Diller to Jamaica Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, who has had 21 prior arrests, was also taken to Jamaica Hospital and is in stable condition.

"Our hearts are heavy as we honor our fallen brother, Police Officer Jonathan Diller. We pray for his family and brothers and sisters in blue as we cope with this immense loss," NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban wrote on X. "Thank you to all those who helped our grieving department transfer Jonathan with the respect he deserved." Hundreds of NYPD officers and New York Firefighters gathered to salute their fellow emergency responders on Monday evening.

Trump has routinely made rampant crime a pillar of his campaign for the presidency by highlighting soft-on-crime policies that have led to preventable attacks both on police officers and those they swear to protect. Trump's visit to the wake will prove to be a powerful split screen with President Joe Biden, who is in New York to host a $25 million fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. 

"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," Trump's campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt said about the visit, as reported by Newsmax.

Following the senseless murder, Trump took to Truth Social to honor Diller, writing, "Our heartfelt prayers go out to the family of highly decorated NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, whose life was taken by a murderous career criminal yesterday during a traffic stop in Queens. The 'thug' in question has 21 prior arrests and just recently got out of prison - he NEVER should have been let back out on the streets. To Officer Diller's family, and all of the other brave men and women of law enforcement who put your lives on the line every day, we love you, we appreciate you, and we will always stand with you!"