Trump faces protests on gun-deaths visits
PROTESTERS have greeted Donald Trump’s arrival in Ohio, blaming his incendiary rhetoric for inflaming political and racial tensions in the country, as he visited survivors of last weekend’s mass shootings and saluted first responders.
The President and First Lady Melania Trump began their visit at the hospital where many of the victims of Sunday’s attack in Dayton were treated.
Outside Miami Valley Hospital, at least 200 protesters gathered, hoping to send a message to the President that they want action on gun control.
It was a highly usual display of hostility at a time of national tragedy, driven by critics who say Mr Trump’s own words may have contributed to last weekend’s shootings in Ohio and El Paso, Texas. The mayors of both cities have called for the President to change the way he talks about immigrants.
Multiple protests are planned, and Democratic presidential candidates continued to criticise him, including Beto O’Rourke, who will address a
counter-rally in his home town of El Paso during the President’s visit.
As he left the White House, Mr Trump defended his rhetoric while strongly criticising those who say he bears some responsibility for the nation’s divisions.
“My critics are political people,” Mr Trump said, noting the apparent political leanings of the gunman in the Dayton killings and suggesting the man was supportive of Democrats.
He also denied his rhetoric had anything to do with the violence.
Mr Trump travelled first to Ohio, before heading to Texas.
White House officials have said the visits will be similar to those he has paid to grieving communities in the past, saluting first responders and spending time with mourning families and survivors.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said Mr Trump also wants “to have a conversation” about ways to prevent future deadly episodes.