Trump blasts ‘rocket scientist’ Biden for skipping murdered NYPD officer’s wake for swanky NYC fundraiser
Former President Donald Trump slammed President Biden for opting not to attend the wake of slain NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller before headlining a ritzy, $25 million fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall, arguing that his successor should have at least sent good wishes to the mourning family.
“They didn’t even call the family. They could have called. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist,” Trump told Fox News in an interview that aired Friday morning.
Hundreds of first responders gathered Thursday in Massapequa — about 40 miles east of Manhattan — to pay their respects to Diller, who was shot down Monday after approaching a suspicious idling car in Far Rockaway.
While Trump flew in from Florida to attend the wake, Biden opted to cool his heels in his Midtown hotel for several hours before the evening fundraiser, recording a podcast interview alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton with actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One Thursday that Biden spoke with New York Mayor Eric Adams by phone to express his condolences for Diller’s death, but she did not say whether the president called the officer’s family.
“Our hearts go out, obviously, to the officer’s family and the broader NYPD family who have tragically lost one of their own. The president grieves for them and honors their sacrifice,” said Jean-Pierre.
In an interview with The Post following his visit with Diller’s family, Trump claimed Biden “should have reached out two days ago … I think he should be here.”
Trump, 77, suggested to “Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade that Biden, 81, could have gotten to the wake “within a half an hour, depending on the mode of travel.”
“I think politically he can’t support the police,” added the former president. “I think he’s also making a mistake, but I think politically his base won’t let him support the police.”
“They missed a very sad moment for our country, but it’s a moment they have to be a part of, whether they like it or not,” Trump added. “They can’t skip this moment. I’ve never seen so many police, I’ve never seen so many firemen, a lot of firemen, they view it in a very similar way.
“They’re going to have to get involved a little bit because this country is going to hell. Our country is not respected anymore.”
Recalling his meeting with Stephanie Diller, Trump told The Post the grieving widow had described her husband’s support for the 45th president.
What to know about the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller:
- Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on March 25, 2024.
- Suspect Guy Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller on Monday evening after the cop approached the vehicle Rivera was in for parking in front of a bus stop.
- Diller was shot once in the stomach below his bulletproof vest. The married father of a 1-year-old boy was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
- Rivera was wounded when Diller’s partner returned fire. The suspect has 21 prior arrests and was found to have a shiv stored in his rectum during the shooting — in apparent anticipation of being sent to jail again.
- Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel of the car during the shooting, was also arrested after a second gun was found in his car.
- Mayor Eric Adams has renewed his calls for Albany to address criminal recidivism following the shooting involving two suspects with lengthy criminal records.
Follow The Post’s complete coverage of fallen NYPD Officer Diller’s wake
“She was very appreciative that I went,” Trump said. “He was a supporter. She told me, ‘He made me stand four hours in the rain to vote, and I was proud to do it.’ But it’s a tough thing.”
Earlier Thursday, suspected triggerman Guy Rivera, 34, was arraigned on charges of murder of a police officer, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Rivera has 21 prior arrests and was on parole until last year after serving a five-year stint on a drug conviction.
“There’s no words to really explain it,” Trump told The Post. “You can say, ‘Well, [it was] time’ and all that, but that’s not really the answer, either. It’s not time.
“This was a terrible thing, but a thug who was arrested 21 times and his stablemate sitting in the other seat was arrested many, many times. These are bad people. Those are the ones we should be focused on, not doing lots of paperwork against our police.”
Biden stayed in NYC Thursday night and addressed a meeting of campaign donors Friday morning before flying to Camp David in rural Maryland for the Easter holiday.
Gov. Kathy Hochul attended Diller’s viewing Friday ahead of his scheduled funeral Saturday morning.
