Trump faces uneasy welcome in Pittsburgh

Donald Trump has once again been called upon to console his country after the worst instance of anti-Semitic violence in American history.

The US president faces an uneasy welcome in the Pittsburgh community of Squirrel Hill, home to the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 people were gunned down during Sabbath services at the weekend.

The president's visit to the Pittsburgh area comes as he struggles to balance appeals for national unity with partisan campaign rhetoric just a week before US mid-term elections.

"Well, I'm just going to pay my respects," Mr Trump said.

"I'm also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt."

Mr Trump is travelling to the historic hub of the city's Jewish community as the first funerals are scheduled to be held for the victims, who ranged in age from 54 to 97.

He is expected to meet first responders and community leaders.

Robert Gregory Bowers appeared in a Pittsburgh court on Monday, where he faced a number of charges over the killing of 11 people at the synagogue.

The death toll includes a set of brothers, a husband and wife, professors, dentists and a physician.

It is not immediately clear whether Mr Trump, who will be joined by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, would meet with any family members.

The White House said the purpose of Mr Trump's visit was to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community".

His trip is set against the backdrop of national unease over incidents of political violence and hate, and questions about his credibility as a unifying force.