Trump Complains Synagogue Killings Costing GOP Momentum

PITTSBURGH, PA - President Trump on Thursday complained that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the recent mail-bomb scare had cost Republicans momentum leading up to Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Speaking at a rally in Columbia, Missouri, Trump griped that the two events - the Tree of Life massacre and the pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats across the nation - could hinder GOP attempts to maintain control of Congress.

“We did have two maniacs stop a momentum that was incredible, because for seven days nobody talked about the elections," Trump told the crowd. “It stopped a tremendous momentum."

The president’s remarks came two days after he visited the site of the worst anti-semitic attack in U.S. history. Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of killing 11 people at the synagogue and wounding six others. He pleaded not guilty Thursday to 44 federal charges, including nearly two dozen punishable by death.

Shortly after making the momentum remark, Trump added, “More importantly, we have to take care of our people, and we don’t care about momentum when it comes to a disgrace like just happened to our country. But it did nevertheless stop a certain momentum.”

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit a memorial outside Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Oct.30, 2018.The Trumps came to Pittsburgh to honor the victims of a mass shooting at the synagogue last week. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Subscribe to Pittsburgh Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.