President Donald Trump toured the destruction caused by an EF4 tornado in the Beauregard community Friday, greeting residents and volunteers and signing Bibles for survivors and first responders.
“We couldn’t get here fast enough,” Trump said Friday during his visit. “I wanted to come the day it happened.”
Trump toured the damage with Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and Lee County EMA Director Kathrine Carson. A number of cabinet officials, members of the state's congressional delegation and both of Alabama's U.S. senators also accompanied the president to Lee County.
At least 23 people died on Sunday when the tornado, bearing winds of 170 MPH, ripped through the rural community of Beauregard and other parts of Lee County including Smiths Station.
Flying in Marine One to Auburn University Regional Airport, the president also viewed the destruction from the air.
Trump gave brief remarks to a crowd at the Providence Baptist Church, which has served as the main Red Cross shelter and disaster relief center for storm survivors.
Dozens of families crowded in an auditorium that was all filled with clothes, toiletries, diapers and school backpacks.
Ada Ingram, a volunteer who approached reporters at the church, said Trump coming to town will bring the community closer together.
"I enjoyed him coming," Ingram said. "I think it’s a godsend. I’m sorry the situation is bad, and there are going to be people who will say, 'why did he come to my town.' I don’t know why ... but there is a reason. “
She said Trump signed several hats and Bibles including one of a 12-year-old boy. Those gathered at the church cheered and applauded.
After addressing the volunteers in the church, the president went outside to honor victims. He walked to a row of crosses honoring the 23 people who died in the storm.
During his visit, Trump said he met with a family who lost 10 people from the storm.
“I’ve never seen anything like it," Trump said of the damage.
The president, now back at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, signed a major disaster declaration on Tuesday, opening up federal aid and bringing FEMA to Lee County to assist those who were affected by the storm.
“We’re gonna take care,” Trump said. “FEMA is here.”
Trump said emergency personnel and first responders have done an "A-plus job."
Clarification: We added context about Ada Ingram, a volunteer who spoke to pool reporters.
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