Trump denounces techie killing
We are united in condemning hate, says US President
Washington, March 1: Breaking his silence, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned as “evil” and “hate” the Kansas shooting in which an Indian techie was killed.
“Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week’s shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms,” Mr Trump said in his first address to the joint session of US Congress.
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and Alok Madasani, another Indian of the same age, injured in the shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled “terrorist” and “get out of my country” before opening fire on them.
A 24-year-old American named Ian Grillot who tried to defend the Indians also received injuries in the firing last week Mr Trump’s comments came after the White House condemned the shooting as a “racially-motivated hatred”.
— PTI
Washington, March 1: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday faced criticism from some netizens after he joked about a slain Navy Seal during his maiden address to Congress, saying the fallen hero must be smiling for breaking “a record” of receiving sustained applause.
Mr Trump in his joint address to Congress honoured US Navy Seal William ‘Ryan’ Owens, who died last month during a military raid in Yemen authorised by his administration.
“We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens,” Mr Trump said to heartfelt applause. “Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero battling against terrorism.”
The joint chamber then honoured Owens’ widow with a lengthy standing ovation.
Mr Trump responded to the applause with an offscript comment of the night: “Ryan is looking down right now.. and he’s very happy, because you know what? I think he just broke a record.”
The joke sparked ire as some found it disrespectful. “Trump’s highest compliment to a fallen warrior is that HE BROKE AN APPLAUSE RECORD,” Ana Marie Cox tweeted.
“Ryan died for that laugh line,” another netizen wrote.