President Trump and first lady Melania Trump toured tornado-ravaged sections of Alabama Friday and met with survivors of the storms that killed 23 persons.
At one stop, Mr. Trump signed a Bible at the request of a young boy.
The president touched down in Lee County, near where a tornado with winds as high as 170 mph struck Sunday. He toured some of the damage from the air in Marine One before meeting with local residents amid shattered trees and debris from destroyed homes.
“It’s hard to believe,” the president told reporters. “You saw things that you wouldn’t believe.”
Volunteer Ada Ingram, who knew 10 people killed, said Mr. Trump signed several hats and Bibles, including one of a 12-year-old boy. The gesture drew a large roar of applause from the group gathered at a church.
Ms. Ingram said the president coming to her town will bring the community closer together.
“I’d vote for him again,” she said. “I enjoyed him coming. I think it’s a godsend. The situation is bad.”
The Trumps met with family and loved ones of tornado victims Marshall Lynn Grimes, 59, and Sheila Creech, also 59, of Beauregard. A relative of Mr. Grimes showed Mr. Trump the motorcycle vest and Bible of Mr. Grimes, who rode with the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
Ms. Creech came to Beauregard to live with Mr. Grimes after her Panama City, Florida, apartment was damaged during Hurricane Michael in October.
The president hugged the family members.
“We couldn’t get here fast enough,” Mr. Trump said. “I wanted to come the day it happened. We love you all. We love the state of Alabama.”
In Opelika, Alabama, the Trumps received a briefing from the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and consoled residents. They drove through destroyed neighborhoods, passing empty lots with broken pieces of metal, wood and scattered clothing.
Mr. Trump said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey “has done an incredible job.” He also complimented FEMA.
The Trumps also visited a disaster relief center at the Providence Baptist Church to talk with survivors, meet volunteers, and thank first responders during the relief efforts.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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