Trump visits Pennsylvania: President Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Pittsburgh to show support following Saturday’s deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue.
However: Local and national officials declined to appear with the President.
The victims: Eleven worshippers were killed during Shabbat services. The mass killing at the synagogue was the deadliest anti-Semitic incident in US history. The first three funerals — for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal and Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz — were held this morning.
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Our live coverage of President Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh has ended. Scroll through the posts below to see how it unfolded or read more about it here
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The President and first lady depart Pittsburgh
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 30, 2018, after visiting the Tree of Life Synagogue.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump departed Pittsburgh this evening after they met with wounded law enforcement officers at a local hospital and visited the Tree of Life Synagogue to pay their respects to the victims of Saturday’s shooting.
During his visit, the President traveled alongside the first lady and prominent Jewish members of his administration – including daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner – to somberly lay stones atop the 11 Star of David markers planted in the ground outside the synagogue. The traditional Jewish practice was in remembrance of the victims of the shooting spree, the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history.
He later met with wounded officers at University Pittsburgh Medical Center.
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Trump spent considerable time with patients, doctor says
From CNN's Janet DiGiacomo
(SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
President Trump met with four patients and their families today at University Pittsburgh Medical Center, according to Donald Yealy, the hospital’s chief of emergency medicine.
The President spent a considerable amount of time with each patient and their family members, and spoke with the hospital’s care team, he told reporters.
Trump also spoke with a family member of one of the 11 victims, Yealy said.
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Pittsburgh councilman on Trump's visit: "Today wasn't a time to draw more national attention to us"
People gather near the Tree of Life Congregation on Oct. 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to protest against President Trump.
(BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
As President Trump paid a solemn visit Tuesday to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, shouts of protest could be heard in the distance.
Outside the synagogue, angry neighbors formed a march near where the President was paying his respects. Several carried signs objecting to Trump’s visit, bearing slogans like “Words Matter,” “Strength through Unity,” “Watch Your Words” and “Hate does not work in our Neighborhoods.”
(Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
It was a sign that Trump’s presence in the city was not welcomed by many residents and local officials, who said they asked the White House to delay a visit until after the victims of the attack were buried.
Pittsburgh Councilman Corey O’Connor told CNN he was with demonstrators when they started their march.
O’Connor continued: “We are a tough city. We are going to get through this, we are all going to battle together and that’s what Pittsburgh is all about. And we will get through this, but today was a difficult time for additional attention.”
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The Trumps are meeting with survivors
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to meet with victims of Saturday’s shooting.
They will be meeting with medical staff and wounded law enforcement officers, according to pool reports. They are…
Officer Tim Matson, who remains in intensive care
Officer Daniel Mead, who has been discharged
Officer Anthony Burke, who has been discharged
Officer Tyler Paschel, who was wounded
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The President and first lady lay stones and white roses outside the synagogue
From CNN's Kevin Liptak
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump laid stones and white roses atop 11 Star of David markers planted in the ground outside the Tree of Life Synagogue.
The traditional Jewish practice was in remembrance of the victims of Saturday’s shooting spree, the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history.
Trump was greeted at the scene by the congregation’s rabbi, Jeffrey Myers, and Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer. He lit candles in the synagogue’s entryway, but did not venture into the sanctuary, which is still considered a crime scene.
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President Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Tree of Life Synagogue
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the scene of Saturday’s mass shooting.
They will enter the vestibule of the building because the synagogue is still a crime scene, according to pool reports. The President and first lady will then light a candle with the rabbis and Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer for the 11 victims.
They will then walk outside and lay stones from the White House, a traditional custom in Judaism, and white roses at each of the stars for the victims. A rabbi will accompany them and lead them in a prayer.
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Protesters gather as Trump arrives in Pittsburgh
People protesting against President Trump gather near the Tree of Life Congregation on Oct. 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Protesters gathered in Pittsburgh ahead of President Trump and first lady Melania Trump’s visit.
The President and first lady are visiting today to pay their respects to the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. But some residents and officials said the President should allow people to heal before visiting the community.
Kathy Wolfe lives across the street from the Tree of Life Synagogue and is preparing a sign of protest in case the President or anyone from the White House shows up.
“Words have consequences that you can’t preach hate and then be surprised when people — irrational people, take your hatred to heart and act on it,” she told CNN. “Your words — if you’re the President of the United States, your words have consequences.”
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The Trumps have arrived in Pittsburgh
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived in Pittsburgh to pay their respect to the victims of Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who are orthodox Jews, followed shortly behind, walking hand in hand and both wearing black.
The four boarded the motorcade, the first lady waving from the window as it began rolling.
Treasury Sec. Steven Mnuchin, who is also Jewish, is also traveling with the group, and deplaned behind them.
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President Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart for Pittsburgh
(SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump departed from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. They’re on their way to Pittsburgh to offer condolences following a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Eleven worshippers were killed during Shabbat services on Saturday.
Funeral services were held today for three victims – Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz and brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal.
About 100 members of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization attended the brothers’ funeral service. The brothers’ sister, Michelle Rosenthal, was a former community relations manager for the Steelers organization.
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Trump "extended a bipartisan invitation" to Congressional leaders to travel with him to Pittsburgh
From CNN's Jim Acosta
President Trump invited Congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle to join him and first lady Melania Trump in Pittsburgh today, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.
She added that the President’s visit is not a political event.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Minority Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi were all invited by the White House to visit Pittsburgh in the wake of this weekend’s shooting, according to two congressional sources familiar with the discussions. All four declined the White House’s invitation.
Earlier today, the communications director for Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, said the senator was not invited to travel with the President.
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These are the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
From CNN's Dakin Andone, Sara Sidner, AnneClaire Stapleton and Eliott C. McLaughlin
A primary care physician loved by his community. Two devoted and welcoming brothers. A “vibrant” 97-year-old with “a lot of years left.”
Melvin Wax, 88: His sister, Bonnie Wax, told CNN affiliate WTAE that he was a wonderful person, “always in a good mood, always full of jokes.”
Irving Younger, 69: The charismatic 69-year-old was a greeter at Tree of Life synagogue, which he had been frequenting for at least 10 years, said his pal and former Tree of Life president Barton Schachter.
Jerry Rabinowitz, 66: He came from Edgewood Borough, Pennsylvania, and was a primary care physician in the area for many years.
Rose Mallinger, 97: She was the “sweetest, lovely lady,” said Robin Friedman, who added that Mallinger was a secretary in her school’s office growing up.
Daniel Stein, 71: The retired resident of Squirrel Hill was “a great guy” loved by everyone, said his nephew.
Joyce Fienberg, 75: She was a former research specialist at the Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
Richard Gottfried, 65: He opened a dental practice together with his wife, Peg Durachko, in 1984.
Bernice and Sylvan Simon, 84 and 86: The couple, died together in the same synagogue where they wed more than 60 years ago.
Cecil and David Rosenthal, 59 and 54: The brothers were familiar faces at Tree of Life. They always sat in the back of the temple and greeted people as they came in to worship and passed out books, said Suzan Hauptman, who grew up at the synagogue.
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2 wounded officers remain in the hospital
Six people — four of whom were police officers who responded to the scene — were injured as a result of Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue.
Two officers remain hospitalized Tuesday, said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert.
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Here's what Trump said in the aftermath of the shooting
In the immediate aftermath of the mass shooting that left 11 dead, Trump tweeted his condolences to those affected and condemned the attack as “evil” and “anti-semitic.”
During remarks later Saturday at a convention, Trump again condemned the shooting, asserting that “There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America or for any form of religious or racial hatred or prejudice.”
When asked if the shooting indicated a need to revisit gun laws, Trump replied that the shooting “has little to do with it” and that an armed guard might have been able to stop the gunman “immediately.”
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Trump's going to Pittsburgh today. Here's who won't be with him.
From CNN's Leslie Holland and Julia Jones
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto will not appear with Trump today.
DUSTIN FRANZ/AFP/Getty Images
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are heading to Pittsburgh today to mourn the 11 people killed in this weekend’s synagogue shooting.
Meanwhile, several Pittsburgh leaders have said they won’t appear with the President, as they focus on their community. And some national leaders have declined White House invitations to visit.
Here’s who we won’t see during today’s visit:
The Pittsburgh mayor: A spokesman said that Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto will not appear with President Trump during the first family’s visit today. “Mayor Peduto’s sole focus today is on the funerals and supporting the families,” communications director Tim McNulty told CNN.
The Pittsburgh county executive: Rich Fitzgerald tells CNN he will not be meeting with the President on Tuesday. “I will not be meeting with the President. If the President wishes to come next week, or the next, that’s something we can look at,” he told CNN.
Pennsylvania’s senators: An aide for GOP Sen. Pat Toomey said the senator has a “previous commitment” and declined an invite from the White House. Democrats Sen. Bob Casey was not invited on the trip, his office said.
Congressional leaders: Senate Majority Leader McConnell, House Speaker Ryan, Senate Minority Schumer, and House Minority Leader Pelosi were all invited by the White House to visit Pittsburgh in the wake of this weekend’s shooting, according to two congressional sources familiar with the discussions. All four declined the White House’s invitation.
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Trump will face a mixed welcome in Pittsburgh
From CNN's Betsy Klein and Maegan Vazquez
In an open letter to President Trump Sunday, a group of Pittsburgh Jewish leaders told Trump that his words and policies over the past three years “have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement,” and that he is not welcome until he “fully (denounces) white nationalism.”
But on Monday, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders that the President wants to go to Pittsburgh to show support, adding that the Tree of Life rabbi “said that he is welcome” there.
Tammy Hepps, a member of “Bend the Arc: Pittsburgh” who knew victims of Saturday’s shooting, told CNN she wouldn’t welcome Trump until he renounces “the words and the policies and the deeds that you have done that led to this day.”
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was leading services at Tree of Life during Saturday’s shooting, said that “the President of the United States is always welcome.”
“I’m a citizen. He’s my president. He is certainly welcome,” he said.
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Pennsylvania's Democratic senator was not invited to attend Trump's trip
From CNN's Liz Landers
Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, was not invited to travel with the President to Pittsburgh today, his communication director John Rizzo said.
“Senator Casey will be in southeastern Pennsylvania today attending a vigil to honor the victims during the time of the President’s visit,” Rizzo said.
Earlier today, an aide for Pennsylvania’s other senator, Republican Pat Toomey, said he declined an invite from the white House. Toomey “has a previous commitment.”
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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner will travel with the President
From CNN's Kate Bennett and Kaitlan Collins
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner will accompany President Trump and first lady Melania Trump to Pittsburgh today to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, CNN has learned.
A White House official added it will be an “understated” visit to be respectful to the community’s wishes.
Several Jewish community leaders in Pittsburgh said they did not want the President to visit, and some officials have declined to appear with him today.
However, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was leading services at the Tree of Life Synagogue during Saturday’s shooting, told CNN’s “New Day” Monday morning that “the President of the United States is always welcome.”
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Here's why Mitch McConnell won't be in Pittsburgh today
From CNN's Manu Raju
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was one of several congressional leaders to decline White House invitations to travel with the President to Pittsburgh today.
A McConnell said the Senator has events in Kentucky today and is “unable” to attend events in Pittsburgh with Trump.
President Trump is expected to visit University Presbyterian Medical Center in the late afternoon, according to UPMC VP of Communications Paul wood.
“We’re aware and prepping” Wood says. No other immediate details were available at the time. Trump is also expected to meet with both the injured officers and victims from Saturday’s shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
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This Pennsylvania senator won't travel with Trump today
From CNN's Ted Barrett and Manu Raju
Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Pennsylvania, was also invited to travel to Pittsburgh today by the White House — but a Toomey aide said the senator “has a previous commitment” and will not be in attendance on Trump’s trip.
Toomey has attended a “vigil, met with law enforcement, and leaders of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community this past weekend and yesterday,” the aide said.
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Why is Trump visiting Pittsburgh today? It fits into his schedule.
From CNN's Jeff Zeleny
The White House is scrambling today to make final plans for President Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh, in the wake of a growing outcry from local officials who don’t want the President to come.
So why is he going today? It was the best day on his schedule, given that a string of campaign rallies begin tomorrow that essentially lock his schedule down for the next six days.
A White House official said today that there was a discussion about scheduling the visit on Wednesday or Thursday, but the optics of visiting Pittsburgh on the same day as a campaign rally weren’t viewed as ideal.
And, the official said, the President was insistent on visiting Pittsburgh because he said he would on Saturday — long before anyone knew about objections.
Trump is scheduled to be in Florida on Wednesday night and Missouri on Thursday night, followed by two rallies a day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Finally, on Monday, he has three rallies.
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Pittsburgh officials didn't know Trump's visit was finalized until the White House announced it publicly
A spokesman for Pittsburgh’s mayor said city officials weren’t aware that President Trump’s controversial visit plans were final until they heard press secretary Sarah Sanders announce it in the White House briefing yesterday.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto told CNN yesterday that he had earlier asked the White House to postpone the visit to let the city focus its attention and devote its resources on victims’ funerals.
While Communications Director Tim McNulty told CNN that “there has been communication with the White House,” he said that city hall “got confirmation along with everyone else yesterday when Sarah Sanders announced it in the press briefing.”
Mayor Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and top Congressional leaders have declined invitations to appear with Trump in Pittsburgh today.
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The Trumps are heading to Pittsburgh today
From CNN's Betsy Klein and Maegan Vazquez
(NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump will travel to Pittsburgh today to “express the support of the American people and grieve” with the community, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.
Sanders, speaking at a press briefing Monday, called the “heinous killing” at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh “a chilling act of mass murder” and an “act of hatred,” adding that anti-Semitism is a “plague to humanity” and something that all Americans “have a duty to confront.”
Sanders noted that the President — whose daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and three grandchildren are Jewish — “adores” and “cherishes” the Jewish community, her voice breaking at times.
The mass killing at the Pittsburgh synagogue was the deadliest anti-Semitic incident in US history.
