Following news that a gunman opened fire at a shopping centre in the Texan city of El Paso, in which 20 people died and more than two dozen were injured, the US President responded on Twitter with a series of posts condemning the attack and offering his heartfelt prayers to those involved.
One read: "Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!"
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
In a second tweet he said: "I know that I stand with everyone in this Country to condemn today's hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people...."
Today's shooting in El Paso, Texas, was not only tragic, it was an act of cowardice. I know that I stand with everyone in this Country to condemn today's hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019
"...Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas," said another.
....Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019
The massacre happened at a Walmart store near the Cielo Vista Mall, a few miles from the US-Mexican border.
At least 22 people have been hospitalised.
Officers in El Paso have taken a 21-year-old into custody after surrendering at the scene, police said the suspect was a resident of the Dallas-area city of Allen.
He has been named by US media as Patrick Crusius.
Investigators are looking at whether the crime was hate-related.
Governor Greg Abbott described it as "one of the most deadly days in the history of Texas".
Just hours after the attack, at least nine people were shot dead outside a bar in Ohio.
Police dealing with the incident in the city of Dayton say 16 people were taken to local hospitals with injuries and the suspected gunman is dead.
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