Olivier Douliery | Bloomberg | Getty Images
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump said on Friday he does not see a rise in white nationalism but it may be an issue in New Zealand, where a gunman who is believed to espouse those views killed 49 people at two mosques.
Asked by a reporter if he sees an increase in white nationalism, Trump said: “I don’t really. I think its a small group of people.”
Trump also said he had not seen a manifesto in which the suspected gunman denounced immigrants and praised Trump as “a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.”
Trump’s comment come after news that at least 49 people were killed and more than 40 people are being treated for injuries after at least one shooter opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, according to New Zealand police.
A 28-year-old man was charged with murder and is set to appear in Christchurch District Court, while two others remain in police custody.