mobanmarketPresident Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived in Lee County, Alabama, to survey the damage of areas affected by Sunday’s deadly tornado.
During the tour, the president stood over a field of white wooden crosses as he observed a moment of silence, honoring the 23 people killed by the brutal storm. The president and first lady were also seen walking through the wreckage, with mangled trees and debris sprawled out all around them.
“Trump flew by airplane to a military base on the Georgia-Alabama border and boarded a helicopter that provided him with an aerial tour of the region before he arrived in Beauregard, which bore the brunt of the storm,” AP reported. After visiting the demolished town, the president exclaimed that he “saw things that you wouldn’t believe.”
The president is said to have met privately with survivors, including one woman mourning the loss of 10 relatives. In addition, he listened to the stories of local survivors as he walked along the streets and was even seen giving hugs in some instances, AP reported. Trump also thanked all of the law officials and first responders as he delivered a speech at Providence Baptist Church’s relief center.
“I wanted to come the day it happened,” President Trump said, but revealed that governor Kay Ivey had asked him to wait.
See photos of President Donald Trump’s visit to tornado-affected areas in Alabama below:
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump, walk to board Air Force One, in Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, en route to Lee County, Alabama, where tornados killed 23 people.
A tornado damaged home is shown as President Donald Trump flies above en route to Auburn, Alabama.
Marine One, with President Donald Trump onboard, flies near damaged areas while en route to Auburn, Alabama.
President Donald Trump is greeted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey as he arrives in Auburn, Alabama, before making his way to tour tornado-affected areas in Lee County.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump talk with people Beauregard, Alabama.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, right, talk with people Beauregard, Alabama.
President Donald Trump hugs a resident as he and first lady Melania Trump talk with people Beauregard, Alabama.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Providence Baptist Church in Smiths Station, Alabama.
President Donald Trump visits Providence Baptist Church in Smiths Station, Alabama.
President Donald Trump signs a Bible as he greets people at Providence Baptist Church in Smiths Station, Alabama.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit crosses at Providence Baptist Church in Smiths Station, Alabama.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pause at the crosses representing the 23 people killed by the tornado during his visit in Beauregard, Alabama.
The Associated Press is a contributor of this post.