Washington, August 10: US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife and First Lady Melania visited El Paso following a mass shooting in the border town that claimed the lives of 22 people. After his visit to El Paso, a picture surfaced in which Donald Trump and Melania are seen smiling broadly while holding a baby who was orphaned in the mass shooting. Trump also flashed a thumbs-up with the baby.

The controversial picture was shared by Melania on Twitter. The baby, identified as Paul, lost his parents in the shooting. The two-year-old was injured, breaking his fingers, in the shooting. As Trump and Melania were scheduled to visit Del Sol medical centre in El Paso, Paul, who was discharged, was brought back at the hospital reportedly on the request of the White House. According to reports, the baby's father was a Trump supporter. Donald Trump Tweets ‘Looking Forward to Seeing Kim in Not Too Distant Future’, a Day After Receiving ‘Beautiful Letter’ From North Korean Leader.

During the visit, a photo op was conducted. President Trump, who is flanked by the baby's uncle, gave a thumbs up while posing with the child. Melania, who was holding the baby, had a broad smile on her face. The picture didn't go well many who saw Trump and Melania's expressions "insensitive". The image, which went viral, prompted outrage on social media. Protesters Chant as Trump Visits Dayton, El Paso.

Melania Trump's tweet and reactions:

The baby’s uncle, standing next to Donald Trump for the picture, is reportedly a Trump supporter. Speaking to NPR, the uncle, Tito Anchondo, said: "I think people are misconstruing President Trump’s ideas. My brother was very supportive of Trump." Notably, the White House aides had not allowed media into the hospital during the visit, saying it was "not a photo op".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2019 09:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).