Donald and Melania Trump Arrive in Dayton to Meet Victims of the Mass Shooting

On Wednesday, the US president and first lady made their way to Ohio to meet with and console people who were victims of Sunday’s mass shooting. The presidential couple also met with hospital staff and law enforcement people.

A short video shared on the White House’s YouTube channel revealed that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Dayton, Ohio this week. The couple was there to meet and console some of the victims of the mass shooting that took place there recently.

Over the weekend, a gunman opened fire near Ned Peppers bar in the town's Oregon District. The shooter, who was fatally shot, killed 9 people and injured 27 others.

TRUMPS PLAN TO MEET WITH DAYTON MASS SHOOTING VICTIMS

On Tuesday, the president announced his planned visit to the town via a tweet. He wrote: "Will be going to Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, tomorrow to meet with First Responders, Law Enforcement, and some of the victims of the terrible shootings."

In El Paso on Saturday, a different gunman claimed the lives of 20 people and injured 27 more at a Walmart. The shooter was apprehended and taken into police custody.

PRESIDENT MET BY POLITICIANS ON ARRIVAL

The president and his wife arrived in Dayton aboard Air Force One shortly before 11 a.m. There they were greeted on the tarmac by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican; Sens. Rob Portman, a Republican, Sherrod Brown, a Democrat; and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat.

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham revealed that the Trumps met "with patients at Miami Valley Hospital here in Dayton.” The couple entered a couple of hospital rooms where they spoke to a number of victims.

"GOD WAS WATCHING YOU"

They also met with the medical staff. Grisham also noted that the president stated to the victims at the hospital: “'You had God watching. I want you to know we’re with you all the way.'”

Protesters lined the road leading to the hospital; standing behind metal barricades with signs saying: “Hate not welcome here,” “Do something,” and a baby Trump blimp wearing a sash that read: “Stop being a baby stand up to the NRA #Daytonstrong.”

TRUMP SUPPORTERS AND PROTESTERS PRESENT

A number of RVs were parked near an overpass along the route. They featured pro-Trump signs and flags and an electronic message board which flashed the message: “Welcome to Dayton, President Trump.”

The president’s supporters held “Trump 2020” flags and chanted “USA! USA!” to opponents across the sidewalk who shouted back: “Do not come here.” The Trumps spent less than three hours in the Ohio city before returning to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to board Air Force One for the trip to El Paso.

WHEN THE SHOOTING OCCURRED

The Dayton shooting began at 1 a.m., but officers happened to be nearby and were able to respond in less than a minute. At the time, the police described the gunman as a "heavy set white male."

The shooter wore body armor during his rampage according to the police.