Trump Attends Wake for NYPD Officer Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday attended the wake of a New York City police officer was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens on March 25.  

For Context: The slain officer, named Jonathan Diller, was just three years into his career; he leaves behind his grieving wife and their one-year-old son. The suspect, 34-year-old Guy Rivera, has since been charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon in the case. 

Key Quotes: Among the hundreds who paid their respects to Diller on Thursday was Trump, who said Diller’s death “captured a moment,” later adding, “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.” Furthermore, New York City Assistant Deputy Mayor Louis Molina criticized “extremist advocates and elected officials” for weakening “our public safety system.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage of the murder itself was common, but coverage of the wake generally appeared more prominent in right-rated outlets. An opinion in National Review (Opinion rated Right) lamented the “brutal murder,” a New York Post (Lean Right bias) headline sensationalized “disturbing footage” of the murder, and Fox News (Right bias) directly contrasted Trump’s visit to President Joe Biden’s attendance on the same day at a “ritzy NYC fundraiser.” Meanwhile, a Daily Beast (Left bias) opinion article said Trump’s wake visit displayed “cynical hypocrisy” because he also “champions Jan. 6 cop-beaters.” This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.