President Donald Trump has wrapped up his visits to cities reeling from mass shootings that left 31 dead and dozens more wounded. He was greeted by protesters in both cities. Signs in Dayton and El Paso, top and bottom, pushed for stricter gun control in the wake of two mass shootings within 13 hours and the president was greeted by protesters with signs reading 'Dump Trump' and 'Racist Go Home'.
In Dayton about 200 protesters set up a 'baby Trump' blimp balloon at the hospital, declaring 'You are why' and Trump didn't visit the area where 10 were killed Sunday and where many gathered, including supporters. He later headed to El Paso, Texas, where 22 people were killed at a Walmart store on Saturday. The presidential motorcade arrived there under tight security and officers toted long guns and riot gear. But there was also support for the president in both cities with warring groups pictured engaged in fierce debate. Some closely affected by the shooting said they were grateful for Trump's visit and didn't blame his speeches.
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| A pro-Trump demonstrator, right, argues with an anti-Trump demonstrator, left, outside the University Medical Center, where Trump held a meeting with first responders in the wake of last weekend's mass shootings at a Walmart store, in El Paso, Texas |
He was greeted by placards that read 'Dump Trump' and 'You are why' as protesters pushed for stricter gun control.
They stood next to a giant baby Trump blimp, like ones that have appeared at previous protests, demanding the American leader 'stop being a baby' and stand up to the NRA' as he began a quick tour to console those affected and congratulate police for how they handled events.
In El Paso, Trump's motorcade passed protesters holding 'Racist Go Home' signs.
But there was also support for the president in both cities with warring groups pictured engaged in fierce disagreements at the sites of both shootings.
Despite protests in both cities, the White House insisted Trump had received positive receptions. One aide tweeted that Trump was a 'rock star' at the Dayton hospital.
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham tweeted that the couple had 'been stopping between rooms to thank the hardworking medical staff'. The tweet added: 'Very powerful moments for all!'
Government officials said the visits would be similar to those he's paid to grieving communities in the past.
'We'll be meeting with first responders, law enforcement and some of the victims and paying my respects and regards,' Trump said Wednesday morning. 'It's a terrific opportunity, really, to congratulate some of the police and law enforcement. The job they've done was incredible. Really incredible.'
Trump's visit to the Texas city of El Paso, on the border with Mexico, came later in the day. It's where 22 people were killed at a Walmart store on Saturday by a 21-year-old man who had posted an anti-immigrant manifesto online.
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| President Donald Trump arrives at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to visit mass shooting sites in Dayton, Ohio |
The mayors of both cities were calling for the president to change the way he talks about immigrants.
Democratic presidential candidates continued to criticize him, including Beto O'Rourke, who said he would address a counter-rally in his home town of El Paso during the president's visit.
In Dayton, holding a sign that said 'Not Welcome Here', Lynnell Graham said she thinks Trump's response to the shootings has been insincere.
'To me he comes off as fake,' she said.
Dorothee Bouquet, stood in the bright sun with her five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son, tucked in a stroller. She told them they were going to a protest 'to tell grownups to make better rules'.
In El Paso, Trump's motorcade passed protesters holding 'Racist Go Home' signs. The president flew to Texas on Wednesday
President Trump has wrapped up his visits to cities reeling from mass shootings that left 31 dead and dozens more wounded
Trump was seen standing behind his vehicle after arriving to carry out his duties as the American leader on Wednesday
Demonstrators chant as they protest the arrival of President Donald Trump outside Miami Valley Hospital after a mass shooting that occurred in the Oregon District early Sunday morning
Protesters younger and older were seen on the streets of Dayton as Trump visited those affected by the tragedies
A woman gestures as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leave Miami Valley Hospital after meeting with first responders, hospital staff, victims and their families
Demonstrators stand outside Miami Valley Hospital where President Donald Trump met with people affected
The motorcade of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leaves Miami Valley Hospital
A group of people stand outside the Miami Valley Hospital, as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are inside
Police block the street as demonstrators protest the arrival of President Donald Trump outside Miami Valley Hospital
But many residents were clear about how they felt after the back-to-back massacres, occurring 13 hours apart, as expressed through signs that read, 'Enough is enough' and 'End this terror'.
As the national debate over gun safety reopens protesters in Dayton had heckled Ohio's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, at a vigil for the shooting victims with chants of 'Do something!'
When POTUS left the White House on Wednesday, he said he wanted to strengthen background checks for gun purchases and make sure mentally ill people did not carry guns,opting for less drastic moves to save lives. He predicted congressional support for those two measures but not for banning assault rifles.
'I can tell you that there is no political appetite for that at this moment,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'But I will certainly bring that up ... There is a great appetite, and I mean a very strong appetite, for background checks.'
It resulted in crowds holding up placards reading 'just say no to fascism'. A clever image of Trump's hair in the shape of a firearm declared: 'stop gun violence.'
Referring to Trump's 2016 declaration he would 'drain the swamp', one placard read: 'Drain YOUR swamp'.
Via - Dailymail
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