Trump comforts the families of three motorcycle officers killed near Mar-a-Lago with moving memorial tribute
Donald Trump honored three Palm Beach motorcycle police officers who were killed in a roadside crash last month — with the daughter of one of the victims making tearful comments about his pride in being part of the presidential motorcade.
“He took great pride in being in the motorcade when you were in Palm Beach,” said Alexandria Diaz, whose father, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, was among the dead.
‘He loved it. He always talked about it. And he always looked forward to it,” she told the crowd at an outdoor amphitheater in West Palm Beach.
Trump left his Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday to attend the service honoring Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Ralpha “Butch” Waller and Diaz.
All three were killed after an SUV crashed into them as they gathered on the side of the road to try to start a stalled motorcycle.
Trump, who has pushed through nominations and issued ultamatums from his private club in Florida during the presidential transition, sat behind bulletproof glass for the event, which was also attended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump’s son, Eric, sat between the president-elect and Florida’s governor. After the service, he met with family members of the fallen officers.
The events included a 10-mile procession and helicopter flyover, along with music and tributes by relatives of the fallen.
President-elect Donald Trump attended a memorial service for fallen motorcycle officers in West Palm Beach, Florida
Trump and other dignitaries sat on cushioned chairs for the event. Trump’s aide Margo Martin posted an image posted an image of the former president standing and watching the ceremony.
“President Trump loves our men and women in law enforcement. He will always have your back,” she wrote, following a campaign in which Trump often flanked himself with law enforcement officers.
In anotherBehind the glass, a seated Trump can be seen as officers place three American flags on the coffins of the fallen officers, while bag pipers play “Amazing Grace.”
There have been limited public sightings of Trump since his stunning election victory last month. He has been featured in videos from Mar-a-Lago but has not held a formal press conference or fielded questions about his victory.
Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz’s daughter spoke of his excitement about participating in presidential motorcades
Donald Trump attended the service and watched it from behind bulletproof glass
Trump’s aide Margo Martin posted images of the service
Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller was one of the three people killed
Corporal Luis Paez also died in the roadside accident
A ten-mile procession rode to the service
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was in attendance
He announced online Monday that he would fly to France on Saturday to attend the reopening of the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and has been spreading messages on his Truth Social account.
All officers were experienced members of the force. Paez was 58, Waller was 54 and Diaz was 51. Their tragic on-duty deaths are being investigated as possible vehicular homicide.
Eric Cabbalero, Diaz’s eldest cousin, also thanked Trump. he said every time
“My uncle – I always got a picture of him with you, whatever motorcade it was, wherever it was, he made a point of sending it to me. And he really respected you,” he said. Trump nodded during that moment.