Trump Holds Moment of Silence For Victims of Condo Collapse in Surfside, Florida to Begin Sarasota Rally

At tonight’s Sarasota Florida rally, former President Donald Trump began by offering a moment of silence for the victims of the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. and at the end of the moment of silence, Trump pointed to the sky.

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has soared recently in popularity, did not attend the rally as he has been 100% focused on taking care of the aftermath following the collapse.

Earlier today, DeSantis tweeted, “We mourn for those we lost in Surfside and pray for a miracle. The people lost had impacts on their community, our state, our country, and the world. The families of Surfside are in our hearts and prayers. Florida and America stand with Surfside.”

We mourn for those we lost in Surfside and pray for a miracle. The people lost had impacts on their community, our state, our country, and the world. The families of Surfside are in our hearts and prayers. Florida and America stand with Surfside. pic.twitter.com/Ot3Kvie393

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) July 3, 2021

DeSantis has also offered multiple tweets thanking those who have responded to the disaster.

“More than 440 USAR members from New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana are on the ground in Surfside to help supplement the search and rescue efforts. Florida is grateful for the outpouring of support,” DeSantis tweeted earlier as well.

DeSantis exclaimed, “Thanks to @RoyalCaribbean for providing accommodations!”

More than 440 USAR members from New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana are on the ground in Surfside to help supplement the search and rescue efforts. Florida is grateful for the outpouring of support. Thanks to @RoyalCaribbean for providing accommodations! pic.twitter.com/jE4fuWoaoB

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) July 2, 2021

In a tweet on Wednesday, DeSantis tagged his wife and said that they, “thank the volunteers, first responders, law enforcement, and search teams for your unwavering dedication to supporting Surfside.”

“The Surfside community knows that you are doing all you can during the search & rescue mission following this horrible tragedy,” DeSantis added.

.@FLCaseyDeSantis and I thank the volunteers, first responders, law enforcement, and search teams for your unwavering dedication to supporting Surfside. The Surfside community knows that you are doing all you can during the search & rescue mission following this horrible tragedy. pic.twitter.com/LcOqJeTgDV

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) July 2, 2021

Some had suggested that Trump should perhaps cancel the rally but Liz Harrington, a spokeswoman for Trump, defended the decision to forge ahead, saying that Trump had spearheaded the fundraising push.

“Like all Americans, President Trump sends his deepest condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones or been displaced by the terrible tragedy in Surfside. The event in Sarasota, however, is on the other side of the state, 3 1/2 hours away, approximately the same distance from Boston to New York, and will not impact any of the recovery efforts,” Harrington explained.

Harrington also pointed out, “In fact, President Trump has instructed his team to collect relief aid for Surfside families both online and on-site at the Sarasota rally.”