Biden's NYC fundraiser and NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller's wake

President Joe Biden came to New York City for a fundraiser gala Thursday but didn’t attend the wake of NYPD Officer Jonathan E. Diller, killed in the line of duty [“Biden’s NYC fundraiser expected to net $25M,” Nation, March 29].

Biden made a joke about former President Donald Trump, saying his rival’s ideas were “a little old and out of shape.” Trump’s ideas kept Americans safe and criminals behind bars.

CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert called the attending trio of Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton “champion talkers.” Sure, all talk and no action.

Then Colbert joked about the trio coming to town and said, “Not one of them is here to appear in court.” And none appeared at Diller’s wake that day. But Trump did.

— Debra Kelly-Lukaszewicz, Massapequa

Isn’t it horrible that suddenly Donald Trump is moved to attend the wake of fatally shot Jonathan E. Diller, but he apparently had no thoughts about doing the same for the police officers who were assaulted and eventually died when his MAGA “heroes” stormed our Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 [“Mourners pay respects to officer, family,” News, March 29]? Were those police officers less important?

As the widow of an NYPD lieutenant who passed away after he retired, I feel it is shameful that politicians walk at Trump’s side while he claims he represents law and order. He has ignored the law in so many ways.

— June Zeger, East Meadow

I am disappointed but not surprised to see Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman standing next to Donald Trump, a “law and order” president.

Trump had peaceful protesters tear-gassed so he could have a photo op at Lafayette Park in 2020 and apparently did nothing to prevent the deaths of police officers after a mob stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 to attempt to stop the certification of an election he lost.

Trump did nothing for their survivors and said if he wins the 2024 election, he will pardon the people who broke the law and were tried and convicted in our courts.

— Murray Simsolo, Lynbrook

As someone who grew up in Massapequa Park, with NYPD officers as neighbors, my heart goes out to the widow and son of Jonathan E. Diller.

However, I’m baffled that anyone would invite Donald Trump to the wake of the slain officer because Trump did nothing for three hours to stop his supporters from assaulting Capitol police officers on Jan. 6.

Diller gave his life defending the Constitution. Trump has shown little respect for the rule of law or the Constitution, exemplified chiefly by his failed attempt to overturn a presidential election.

Diller’s death also drives home the point that the justice system in New York cries out for reform, one that will keep violent and repeat felons locked up. The city and state need leaders to stop talking and to take action that would make everyone safer.

— Rich Klein, Fort Lee, New Jersey

I was impressed that Donald Trump took time out from a nationwide campaign to express his condolences for Jonathan E. Diller. I doubt the visit garnered Trump favor among Democrats, but it was a gesture, a classy gesture that helped the officer’s family and co-workers deal with some dark days. Law enforcement has few rewards but a plethora of perils.

— John J. Ledogar, Mount Sinai

Donald Trump’s attendance at the wake for Jonathan E. Diller was just an opportunity for him to further his political ambition.

For Bruce Blakeman and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to attend was right and proper. However, to see them stand alongside a hypocrite is, for me, an insult to the memory and service of every officer who puts on a police uniform and shield in service and protection of the Constitution.

— Chris Monzert, Lynbrook

The writer is a retired NYPD detective.

What about the police officers who eventually died and were wounded as a result of the attack at the Capitol that horrible Jan. 6 day?

The mob continued to attack the Capitol police for hours. Did Donald Trump do anything during that period?

Did he attend the funerals of the officers who died, or visit the injured officers in the hospital? Did he ever apologize for his actions that day?

This was primarily a photo op for him. The only thing that apparently mattered was publicity.

— Judith Hanson, Fort Salonga

The funeral of Jonathan E. Diller was a most profound service for an officer who went above and beyond the call of duty [“Final farewell to slain NY cop,” News, March 31].

What troubles me the most is that soft-on-crime politicians don’t realize that Diller’s death was a direct result of their policies. Some career criminals are allowed to walk the streets, and one career felon is charged with killing Diller.

— Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Bellerose