Source: Douglas Sacha / Getty
CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) – A vigil organized by Christians, Jews and Muslims at Cleveland City Hall to remember the 49 killed in Christchurch, New Zealand was interrupted Friday by a President Donald Trump supporter driving a “BUILD THE WALL” float.
Mourners looked on in disbelief as the float rolled past the memorial blaring music. The driver, Robert Cortis, then made a second pass and played “God Bless America.”
Cortis, of Michigan, is raising money through GoFundMe to support his nationwide “Trump Unity Bridge Tour.”
Speakers, including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, stayed on script and focused on the tragedy instead of the disruption.
Mike Bush, New Zealand’s police commissioner, reported that 41 people were killed at Al Noor Mosque and seven at Linwood Mosque, and that another victim had died at Christchurch Hospital.
A 28-year-old man, who reportedly wrote a manifesto filled with extremist propaganda prior to the shooting, was arrested and charged with murder.
Two others are also in custody.
In response to the massacre, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged that “our gun laws will change” at a news conference Saturday morning (New Zealand local time).
President Donald Trump posted tweets of support toward New Zealand on Friday, but the statements have come under criticism for not mentioning Muslims.
READ MORE: Cleveland19.com
Article Courtesy of WOIO Cleveland 19 News
First Picture Courtesy of En Contexto
Second Picture Courtesy of Douglas Sacha and Getty Images
Tweet and Third Picture Courtesy of Twitter and WOIO Cleveland 19 News
