Donald Trump to attend wake of NYPD cop Jonathan Diller who was killed in the line of duty by a career criminal... as Karine Jean-Pierre says 'it is a painful reminder of the toll of gun violence'

Former president Donald Trump plans to attend Thursday the wake of Jonathan Diller, a New York Police Department officer who was killed during a traffic stop.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed rumors that Trump was planning to attend the wake Thursday at the Massapequa Funeral Home in New York. 

Diller, a three-year veteran of the NYPD, was believed to be shot and killed by a suspect Guy Rivera after he and another man were stopped for illegally parking at a bus stop. He leaves behind a wife and infant son.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump plans to attend the wake of 

Diller and another officer approached the vehicle ordering Rivera and another man to get out. Rivera reportedly refused, creating a scuffle after the other passenger opened the door to comply with the officer's orders. 

Rivera then allegedly fired his gun, the bullet striking Diller in the torso underneath his bulletproof vest. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but ultimately died in the hospital. Rivera has 21 prior arrests, including nine felonies.

Trump has a long history of honoring the NYPD and police officers, even endorsing the death penalty for criminals convicted of killing law enforcement officials.

'In my administration, we strongly believe that criminals who murder cops should get the death penalty,' he said in 2019 during the Major County Sheriffs and Major Cities Chiefs Association Joint Conference in Washington, D.C.

An officer of the 101 closes his eyes and touches the photograph of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.

Officers from NYPD's Community Response Team that Officer Jonathan Diller was a member of arrive outside the Chief Medical Examiner's office on E. 30th Street for the dignified transfer of Officer Diller

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Diller's death was one more 'painful reminder of the toll of gun violence' 

The White House reacted to the death of Diller during the daily press briefing on Wednesday, when asked by reporters about the incident.

'Our hearts go out to this officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty,' press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. 'We're also praying for his family during this difficult time, who now has an empty seat at their dinner table.'

She added that Diller's death was 'another painful reminder of the toll of gun violence.'

President Biden will also be in New York on Thursday for a high-dollar fundraiser in Manhattan with former President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton.