President Joe Biden was not far from the service to honor slain New York police officer Jonathan Diller, but he wasn’t there. Instead, he was at a political fundraiser in New York City.
For former President Donald Trump the message was not lost, he told “Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade.
“They missed a very sad moment for our country, but it’s a moment that they have to be a part of, whether they like it or not,” Trump said.
New York police officer Jonathan Diller was killed in the line of duty Monday. A wake was held in his memory Thursday. Biden, along with former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, were about 40 miles away at a Democratic fundraiser.
“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, and I understand that. But they’re going to have to get involved a little bit because this country is going to hell.”
Trump said it’s important to show up to events like this and support police.
“Our country is not respected anymore,” he continued. “I say it in my rallies, in my speeches. We’re a nation in decline… Totally fixable, but we have to do it fast.”
Biden’s event was at Radio Music Hall and was attended by such stars as Lizzo and Stephen Colbert, “Fox & Friends” reported.
However, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate said not being at the wake was a bod move for Biden.
“I think that politically he can’t support the police,” Trump said. “I think he’s also making a mistake, but I think politically … his base won’t let him support the police and I support the police. I would say at the highest level of any president by far, maybe double or triple, and they knew that. That’s why when I walked into that funeral parlor it was … like love.”
There allegedly was no phone call either.
“They want to shy away from it,” he continued. “They didn’t even call the family. They could have called… I’m not sure they’d take his call.”
Diller, 31, was shot during a traffic stop in Queens because a vehicle because it was illegally parked at a bus stop. The suspect, who had 21 previous arrests, shot Diller in the stomach, according to the outlet.
Diller was married and had a son, who is close to turning 1, Fox News Digital previously reported.
Trump also spoke of Diller’s wife, Stephanie.
“Stephanie is incredible, and they wanted me to be there, and I wanted to be there,” Trump said. “What a family, the Diller family, and they lost a a hero, really. I mean, just a hero. They’re devastated. The family is devastated. The police force is devastated. The whole country feels this way.”
“And we have to have law and order back in our country, and we’re going to because this can’t happen. This was a brutal murder.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president is saddened by Diller’s death.
“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,” Jean-Pierre said.
She also held firm Biden’s support of police.
“The President has stood with law enforcement his entire career and continues to stand with them as they put their lives on the line for their communities. Under his leadership, we will continue to support police officers and ensure that they have resources they need to continue — to continue to do the work — the all-important work that they have to do on behalf of the community.”
