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President Biden landed in New York City Thursday for a $25 million fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton — but had yet to publicly address the Monday killing of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, whose Long Island wake was attended by former President Donald Trump.

Biden’s star-studded visit to Radio City Music Hall was expected to set a record haul for a single event as the incumbent builds a substantial cash advantage over Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.

The 81-year-old Biden, accompanied by Obama, landed shortly after noon at JFK Airport, about six miles away from where Diller was gunned down in Far Rockaway.


  President Biden arrived at JFK Airport Thursday for a $25 million fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. AP President Biden arrived at JFK Airport Thursday for a $25 million fundraiser with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. AP

Almost exactly two hours later, Trump greeted Diller’s wife Stephanie at the wake in Massapequa — as Biden mingled with celebrities at the ritzy Essex House hotel on Central Park South.

“This should never happen. I just visited with a very beautiful wife that now doesn’t have her husband,” Trump told reporters outside the funeral home.

“Stephanie was just incredible, and their child — a brand new, beautiful baby sitting there innocent as can be, doesn’t know how his life has been changed.

“We have to stop it. We have to get back to law and order,” Trump added.

“We have to do a lot of things differently because this is not working. This is happening too often.”


  Biden arrives at John F. Kennedy Airport on Air Force One to attend a sold out political fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall. ZUMAPRESS.com Biden arrives at John F. Kennedy Airport on Air Force One to attend a sold out political fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall. ZUMAPRESS.com

  A Secret Service agent stands guard beside the limo carrying U.S. President Joe Biden and Former President Barack Obama at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Derek French/Shutterstock A Secret Service agent stands guard beside the limo carrying U.S. President Joe Biden and Former President Barack Obama at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Derek French/Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Biden, Obama and Clinton taped a “SmartLess” podcast interview with actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett.

The fundraising program called for CBS “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert to moderate a discussion with the three Democratic presidents that will be watched by some of the nation’s richest citizens, the most generous of whom are having their photos snapped with the trio by Annie Leibovitz.


  Biden’s star-studded event at Radio City Music Hall is expected to set a record haul for a single event as the incumbent builds a substantial cash advantage over Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. REUTERS Biden’s star-studded event at Radio City Music Hall is expected to set a record haul for a single event as the incumbent builds a substantial cash advantage over Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. REUTERS

  NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot at 1919 Mott Ave. in Queens.
 NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot at 1919 Mott Ave. in Queens.

Comedian and actress Mindy Kaling will host a portion of the event, which will also feature musical acts by Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo and Lea Michele.

Shortly before Air Force One touched town, 34-year-old ex-con Guy Rivera was charged with first-degree murder in Diller’s death.

The suspect has 21 prior arrests and was on parole until last year after serving a five-year prison stint on a drug conviction.

Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer, also attended Diller’s wake.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One that Biden spoke with Adams by phone to express his condolences for Diller’s death, but she did not say if 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.

The Biden campaign declined to comment on the record about the president’s public silence, but did issue a press release hailing the celebrity gala as “the most successful political fundraiser in American history.”


  Lindy Jones appears for his arraignment in Queens court Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in connection to Diller’s death. Richard Harbus/Pool Lindy Jones appears for his arraignment in Queens court Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in connection to Diller’s death. Richard Harbus/Pool

  Guy Rivera is suspected of killing NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.
 Guy Rivera is suspected of killing NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.

“More than 5,000 supporters — a sold-out crowd — will be in attendance at tonight’s fundraiser, and thousands more will be watching online,” it said.

Trump sought to flip the script, writing in an emailed fundraising appeal: “Remember, my campaign isn’t powered by the Hollywood ‘elite’ writing 6-figure checks – IT’S POWERED BY YOU!”

The 45th president also commented on Diller’s murder Tuesday on the Truth Social platform.

“To Officer Diller’s family, and all of the other brave men and women of law enforcement who put your lives on the line every day, we love you, we appreciate you, and we will always stand with you!” Trump posted.

“The ‘thug’ in question has 21 prior arrests and just recently got out of prison – he NEVER should have been let back out on the streets.”


  Trump is scheduled to attend the wake for NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller in Massapequa, about half an hour away from the airport. AP Trump is scheduled to attend the wake for NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller in Massapequa, about half an hour away from the airport. AP

Biden has built a large financial advantage over Trump, 77, despite polls showing Trump ahead among voters nationally and in several key swing states.

Trump is facing four criminal cases — with his first trial set to begin April 15 in New York under a novel business records falsification theory brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat.

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