Pittsburgh: Pipe bombing attacks halt momentum, says Trump

President Donald Trump has accused two terrorist attacks against public figures and synagogue faithful of having curbed Republican political momentum.

Speaking at a rally in Missouri on Thursday, Mr. Trump said that "two maniacs" was stopping a "tremendous momentum".

The president noted that taking care of people was more important.

Trump's remarks, called insensitive by critics, come as the country prepares for mid-term elections next week that could shift power on Capitol Hill.

"We had two maniacs stop a momentum that was incredible, because for seven days nobody talked about the elections," Trump said in his closing remarks. "It stopped a tremendous momentum."

He added: "More importantly, we must take care of our people and we do not care about the impulse given to a shame similar to the one just happened in our country."

"But this has nevertheless stopped a certain momentum, and now momentum is resuming."

Critics quickly condemned the president for seeming to care more about the elections than the victims.

Former Obama speechwriter, Jon Favreau, called Mr. Trump's remarks "revolting" in a tweet.

Last month, the president had also discussed the slowdown in Republican momentum through "this kind of" bomb ".

Trump has sought to build momentum within his base by making immigration the key issue in this year's midterm elections.

However, despite escalating his speech on the subject – including making controversial statements about amending the constitution through a decree-law – he has not yet passed any policy.

The elections of November 6 could see the Republicans cede power to both houses of Congress, as well as to the governors of the country, the Democrats.

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In recent weeks, the United States has been facing the worst anti-Semitic attack in the country's history, as well as to the incentive bombs sent to the biggest Democrats and personalities criticizing Mr. Trump.

The president has not named the "two maniacs" involved, the armed suspect Robert Bowers and the alleged courier bomber Cesar Sayoc.

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Bower pleaded not guilty Thursday against 44 federal charges of violence and hate crime.

Last Saturday, Bowers entered the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, armed with several firearms and reportedly began slaughtering worshipers.

Eleven victims were killed and six people, including police officers, were injured during the attack. After his arrest, Mr. Bowers told the police that he had wanted to kill Jews.

The last funeral for the victims will take place on Friday.

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At the end of October, Mr Sayoc had been arrested following a series of bombings against which 14 aircraft had been sent to his detractors, including former President Barack Obama and the United States. Former Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Democrats said Trump's violent language towards his opponents had prompted Sayoc to target these individuals.

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Friday, Mr. Sayoc must appear in court.