President Biden and former President Trump were in the New York City area on Thursday, but the events they attended were quite different.
Biden was in town for a Democratic fundraiser, and Trump attended the wake of New York City police officer Jonathan Dill at Massapequa Park Funeral Home on Long Island, about 45 miles from Manhattan. .
Mr. Biden was scheduled to attend a glitzy Democratic Party fundraiser at Radio Music Hall that was attended by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as other A-list celebrities.
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President Biden and former President Trump visited the New York City area on Thursday. Mr. Biden was in town for a fundraiser, and Mr. Trump attended a wake for a slain New York City police officer. (Getty Images)
At a press briefing aboard Air Force One en route to New York, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not say why Biden was absent from the vigil, but said the president said “they (NYPD) ) and honor their sacrifice.”
“The president has worked with law enforcement throughout his career and continues to stand with law enforcement who put their lives on the line for our communities,” she said. “Under his leadership, we will continue to support our police officers and ensure they have the resources they need to continue the most important work they have to do for our communities.”
FOX News Digital lobbied the White House and police unions.
Meanwhile, President Trump attended Diller’s wake, and a large law enforcement presence was present to pay his respects.
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Guy Rivera, 34, left, is accused of fatally shooting NYPD Officer Jason Diller during a routine traffic stop. (New York City Police Department)
“It’s a really sad, sad thing. It’s really horrible. And it happens too often, and we’re not going to tolerate it,” Trump said. “We need law and order.”
Jean-Pierre said that while violent crime soared under the Trump administration, the Biden administration “took decisive action from the beginning to defund the police and under his leadership achieved historic crime declines.” We have achieved that and we intend to continue to do so.”
Diller, 31, the father of a 1-year-old boy, was killed Monday, followed by Guy Rivera, 34. It is believed that he shot and killed During a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Both the driver and passenger, Rivera, have been arrested at least 20 times, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.
Ahead of his wake, the NYPD’s Sergeant Benevolent Association (SBA) sent a letter to New York City’s far-left Democratic leaders asking them not to attend the funeral, citing their moderate-on-crime policies.
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“Many elected officials will be attending PO Dealer’s funeral, shedding crocodile tears and sitting prominently for good photo opportunities,” said SBA President Vincent Vallelonge. This was stated in a letter to union members. “The sad reality is we don’t want them there.”
