Trump Insists on Visiting Pittsburgh as Victim’s Family Refuses to See Him

President Trump visited Pittsburgh on Tuesday to pay respect to those affected by the deadly shooting last week. His presence, however, escalated tensions in the grief-stricken city amidst widespread accusations that his divisive rhetoric was part of what caused the tragedy in the first place.

Pittsburgh’s Democratic mayor Bill Peduto had previously advised the president not to come. Convinced that his visit would run against “the will of the families,” Peduto respectfully asked him to reconsider the emotional trauma he might add to those affected as well as the city’s budgetary constraints at such a critical time.

“All attention should be on the victims,” said Peduto. “We do not have enough public safety officials to provide enough protection at the funerals and … at the same time draw attention to a potential presidential visit.”

Before Trump’s arrival, over 70,000 people signed an open letter drafted by Jewish organization Bend the Arc. The letter detailed with emotional language how the rise of white nationalism in the U.S. and the violence manifested by the Pittsburgh shooting were “the direct culmination of [Trump’s] influence”. Together the signatories sent a powerful message: Trump was not welcome.

“President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism.

President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you stop targeting and endangering all minorities.

President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you cease your assault on immigrants and refugees.

President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you commit yourself to compassionate, democratic policies that recognize the dignity of all of us.”

 

But the president insisted on coming.

On Tuesday afternoon, Trump arrived at Tree of Life synagogue and laid flowers for victims of the shooting. He then went to a hospital to check on police officers injured in the crossfire.

City officials and congressional leaders from both parties all declined to be a part of Trump’s day trip. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) all felt it was inappropriate to visit Pittsburgh alongside Trump.

“The sense in the community is that they didn’t think this was a time for a political photo shoot,” Rep. Mike Doyle (D) whose district covers Tree of Life synagogue—the location of the massacre—told The Post. “There are strong feelings in the community about him and the divisive nature of his rhetoric.”

The family of Daniel Stein, a 71-year-old victim of the shooting, also refused to receive the president. According to Stein’s nephew Stephen Halle, the family was offended by Trump’s reaction after the incident where he blamed the community for not having an armed guard at the synagogue.

“Everybody feels that they were inappropriate,” Halle spoke of Trump’s comments.

To no one’s surprise, a protest broke out on Tuesday. Demonstrators shared Stein’s sentiment that Trump did not really sympathize with the Jewish community and his visit was nothing but a political stunt.

Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, nevertheless, was gracious enough to put aside political differences and welcome Trump with both hands. “Hate is not political,” he told The Post. “It is not blue or red, it’s not male or female. It doesn’t know any of those divisions.”

Featured image via Reuters