Some people were protesting in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, U.S. (Image via: Time Magazine)

Trump Visits Mass Shooting Victims; Some Reject Him in Protest

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump visited the victims of El Paso and Dayton mass shooting in hospital where they are treated. During his visit, Trump avoided the press. First of all, Donald Trump and Melania Trump went to Dayton, Ohio. They were greeted at a local air base by Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley. Then they went to Miami Valley Hospital to meet survivors, emergency workers, and staff. He showed support to the victims and their families. However, outside the hospital there were people protesting against his presence. Protesters flew a "baby Trump" balloon and held signs reading "Do Something", "Save our city" and "You are why". Some people in Dayton think that Trump had created division in the country. It seems like his reluctant attitude regarding acting upon assault weapons rule only adds up to the mass shooting problem.

After visiting Dayton, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump went to El Paso, Texas. They were greeted at the airport by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and El Paso Mayor Dee Margo. Then they went to the city's University Medical Center and spent more than an hour with victims and staff. Trump and the first lady went to the El Paso’s emergency operations centre afterwards. The visit also received some negative reactions from the people. Protesters held placards reading "Go home. You are NOT welcome here!" and "Trump hatred, racism not welcome here" along the route. The former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke and the Texas congresswoman Veronica Escobar attended an "El Paso Strong" rally about the mass shooting. O’Rourke called out Trump for "vilifying" immigrants.

Democrats have been condemning Trump for his anti-immigrant stance and racially charged speech. They also pointed out his statements on twitter which have fanned racist, white nationalist sentiments, and creating a political climate that is conducive to hate-based violence. They also accused Trump upon his Monday speech. He’s accused of hiding his reluctant attitude to restrict gun ownership behind the talk of mental illness. His statement was about the plan to strengthen background checks for gun purchases and make sure mentally ill people did not carry guns. Meanwhile, An open letter for Trump published in the El Paso Times that warned him for calling El Paso as one of the country’s most dangerous cities. According to the letter, El Paso has “a deep tradition of racial harmony” whose people came together after the tragedy.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49261795