29 March 2024 , 05:07
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As former President Donald Trump attended the funeral for slain New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller on Thursday, he appeared "sombre," a body language expert revealed, "stricken" by the reality of the situation.
As the businessman entered the funeral home in Massapequa, a suburb of the giant city situated on Long Island, he wore a navy suit with his signature red tie, but his head was tilted, and one of his hands lay flat on his lower chest in a move that "mimed condolence," body language expert Judi James told TheMirror.com.
"His palm-up, proffered-hand announcement signal for the first shake creates a sense of power and empathy," she said of the handshake Trump gave a man at the home. "He uses strong eye engagement during the shake and pats the man's arm for added unity."
READ MORE: Donald Trump calls for return to 'law and order' as he attends murdered NYPD cop's funeral
Trump delivered a heartfelt but powerful speech at the funeral service as he called for 'law and order' (Anadolu via Getty Images)When he reached the on-duty authorities there for added security at the event, the handshake became what James referred to as a "'heroes' shake" that saw his hands clasped in front of his chest.
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"The second handshake is strong and firm, and the man holds Trump's hand in both of his," the body language expert analysed. "As Trump walks away, he seems to be puffing in a sign that suggests feelings of almost personal loss, turning a stricken expression to the cameras and flapping the rain off his coat as he walks into the service."
The men Trump shook hands with included New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban and members of the Nassau County police, government officials and others.
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Trump called Rivera, the suspect in the murder, a 'thug' as his body language throughout the event was 'sombre' and empathetic (Getty Images)During his time in the White House, Trump made immigrant crime a central but polarising issue, one he sought to completely eradicate by bringing "law and order" back to the country. The slain police officer's funeral visit served to bolster Trump's campaign for re-election ahead of the 2024 vote, which will likely see him and current President Joe Biden face off again, just as they did in 2020, as each strives for a second term.
The disgraced politician arrived at the funeral in a convoy of black Chevrolets, flanked by several of his senior campaign advisers. He then spoke at the event, calling the man who killed Officer Diller a "thug" as he added: "They don't learn because they don't respect. This should never happen. Police are the greatest people we have."
"The Diller family will never be the same, and we have to stop it. This should never be allowed," he continued. "Things like this should never happen. We have to get back to law and order."
Diller was killed during a routine traffic stop in Queens after the passenger of the vehicle pulled out a gun (NYPD)He added that it was "an honour" to be there as he touched on the "devastated" family and how difficult the road will be as they navigate grief. Diller left behind a 1-year-old son and a wife.
Diller was killed in the line of duty on Monday after he made a routine traffic stop. Two men had been sitting in a vehicle near a bus stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, and he and his partner had stopped to tell them to move, as they were parked illegally.
The passenger of the vehicle, later identified as Guy Rivera, pulled out a gun and shot Diller below his bullet-proof vest, striking him in the stomach. He later died at a hospital in Jamaica, Queens. His partner returned fire and reportedly struck Rivera in the back.
Trump appeared to feel Diller's loss personally as he attended the funeral, a body language expert said (Getty Images)Diller, 31, became the first officer killed in the line of duty in about two years in New York City. A Trump campaign spokesperson confirmed that he would be attending the wake on Thursday as Trump himself posted about the killing on his Truth Social page. He was invited to the funeral by the family.
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Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: "President Trump is moved by the invitation to join NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller's family and colleagues as they deal with this senseless and tragic death."
Outside the funeral, throngs of people stood near two pickup trucks that bore "Make America Great Again" flags as they carried their own paraphernalia and stood in the pouring rain, showing their support for the former president.
Both Biden and Trump have promised to foster closer relationships with law enforcement if elected in November. Trump's funeral visit also came the same day as a massive $25million (£19.8million).