Several high-profile US lawmakers have declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump on his visit to Pittsburgh to pay tribute to the 11 victims of Saturday's mass shooting at a synagogue, US media reported on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Several high-profile US lawmakers have declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump on his visit to Pittsburgh to pay tribute to the 11 victims of Saturday's mass shooting at a synagogue, US media reported on Tuesday.House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer all declined official White House invitations to accompany the president and First Lady Melania Trump during their trip to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, the Washington Post reported, citing three officials familiar with the invitations.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto was also invited but won't be appearing with Trump, the report added. The city's Democratic mayor urged Trump to not visit Pittsburgh until after the funerals for victims have concluded, saying all attention should be on the victims.
Peduto also said that his city doesn't have enough public safety officials to protect the funerals and at the same time host a presidential visit.
City and local official are expecting at least two protests to coincide with the funerals, the Washington Post reported. A person involved in planning the events told the Post that no one wants Trump to be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
The president is not expected to speak in Pittsburgh, according to a White House official.
Trump has condemned the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, saying there would be no tolerance for anti-Semitism following the attack on Saturday.
A gunman opened fire inside a synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people and injuring six others, including police officers, according to US authorities.
The suspect, identified as Robert Bowers, was reportedly shouting anti-Semitic slogans during the shooting. He surrendered to police and was arrested.
US Attorney Scott Brady announced on Monday that the first hearing for Robert Bowers has been set for November 1.
