Donald Trump faced criticism from some individuals after posting a painting of himself on Truth Social shortly after a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island.
The incident occurred when a gunman opened fire in an engineering building at the university around 4 pm local time on Saturday, December 13. Students were in the midst of a final exam review in economics at the time.
An economics professor from the Barus and Holley building recounted to Ocean State Radio, a local media outlet, that the shooting took place during a review session led by a teaching assistant, as reported by the BBC.
Rachel Friedberg explained: “He said that the shooter came in the doors, yelled something – he couldn’t remember what he yelled – and started shooting. Students started to scramble to try to get away from the shooter, trying to get lower down in the stadium seating, and people got shot.”
Tragically, the shooting resulted in two fatalities and injured nine others.
Authorities have described the majority of those hospitalized as being in ‘critical but stable’ condition.
The suspect, estimated to be in his 30s, has been apprehended.
Speaking to the media outside the White House late on Saturday, Trump mentioned that he had been ‘fully briefed’ on the ‘terrible’ events.
Nonetheless, a few hours after the shooting, the president posted an image of a painting depicting himself surrounded by Christmas trees on his Truth Social account.
Given the circumstances, Trump’s decision to share a picture of himself struck many as oddly timed.
Following the shooting, Governor Dan McKee issued a statement: “Our capital city experienced an unthinkable tragedy today. Our hearts are with the people of Providence and all those impacted.
“A shelter in place remains in effect for the greater @BrownUniversity area. We’re making every resource available as an active investigation continues.”
Christina Paxson, the university’s president, also provided an update, noting that of those injured, six are in critical but stable condition, one is in stable condition, and one remains in critical condition.
In an email sent to the college community, she stated, “I want to thank every member of our community for every kindness, shoulder to lean on, and gesture of support that I know will come in the hours and days ahead as we work together as a community to be there for one another.”