Trump called out for sharing painting of himself as US reels from mass shooting

Donald Trump has been called out by some people after sharing a painting of himself on Truth Social just hours after a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island.

The gunman opened fire at an engineering building in the university at around 4pm local time on Saturday (December 13), where students at the college had been taking a final exam review in economics.

An economics professor in the Barus and Holley building told local media outlet Ocean State Radio that the shooting occurred during a review session, which was led her by teaching assistant, as per the BBC.

Rachel Friedberg said: "He said that the shooter came in the doors, yelled something - he couldn't remember what he yelled - and started shooting. Students started to scramble to try to get away from the shooter, trying to get lower down in the stadium seating, and people got shot."

The shooting has shocked a community (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Sadly, two people have died from the shooting, while a further nine people have been left injured.

The majority of those being treated in hospital are being described by authorities as being 'critical but stable'.

The suspect, believed to be in his 30s, is in custody.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House late on Saturday, Trump said he had been 'fully briefed' on the 'terrible' incident.

However, some hours after the shooting had taken place, the president took to his Truth Social page to share a photo of a painting of himself surrounded by Christmas trees.

Given the current situation, it's certainly bizarre timing for Trump to share a picture of himself.

In a statement provided to UNILAD, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said: "This pearl clutching from the Left is pathetic — President Trump has shared multiple statements about the tragic shooting at Brown University."

Following the shooting, Governor Dan McKee said in a statement: "Our capital city experienced an unthinkable tragedy today. Our hearts are with the people of Providence and all those impacted.

"A shelter in place remains in effect for the greater @BrownUniversity area. We’re making every resource available as an active investigation continues."

University president Christina Paxson also provided an update and said that of those injured, six are in critical but stable condition, one is in stable condition, and one is in critical condition.

"I want to thank every member of our community for every kindness, shoulder to lean on, and gesture of support that I know will come in the hours and days ahead as we work together as a community to be there for one another," an email sent to those in the college said.