Trump references Christchurch attacks in speech

Donald Trump made the speech during a National Day of Prayer dinner gathering in the State Dining...
Donald Trump made the speech during a National Day of Prayer dinner gathering in the State Dining Room of the White House. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump has referred to the Christchurch mosque attacks in a speech at the White House in honour of the upcoming National Day of Prayer.

The president told those gathered today that people of faith around the world have faced terrible hardship of late.

Trump said violence and terrorism against people of all faiths must end, and that "all civilised nations must join together in this effort."

He made the comments to faith leaders at a White House dinner in honour of the National Day of Prayer, an event that takes place on Friday (NZ time).

"America will be a nation that believes forever, and we certainly believe - more than anyone - the power of prayer," Trump declared in the State Dining Room before continuing with an unscripted flourish: "It's the most powerful thing there is."

Trump paid respects to Jewish-Americans killed and wounded last week at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in California.

He also recalled the attacks on Christians in Sri Lanka at Easter and on Muslims at two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand on March 15.

He also cited the burning of three black churches in Louisiana and last year's shooting spree at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

"All of us in this room send our love and prayers to the Jewish Americans wounded at the Chabad of Poway shooting in California," he said.

"And our hearts break for the life of Laurie Gilbert-Kaye who was so wickedly taken from us.

"We mourn for the Christians murdered in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday and grieve for the Muslims murdered at their mosques in New Zealand," he added.

"Here at home, we also remember the three historically black churches burned recently in Louisiana and the horrific shooting last year at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh."

Comments

Yes. It would have taken a leap of spirit to acknowledge all victims of hate crime.

Real leader does what hes says he will do//// and new Zealand just talks. no delivery