United States: on the site of the collapsed building in Surfside, Joe Biden plays unity
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill at the site in memory of those who died in the building collapse in Surfside on July 1.
REUTERS - KEVIN LAMARQUE
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The American president went this Thursday, July 1 to Surfside, near Miami in Florida.
A week after the sudden collapse of a building, the hope of finding survivors is almost nil.
Especially since the research had to be interrupted for a good part of the day on the site because of the risk of collapse of another part of the building.
The tragedy has already killed 18 people and 140 people are still missing.
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With our correspondent in Washington,
Anne Corpet
It is a role that he takes on with ease: that of chief comforter.
The US president first met with rescuers, then spent three hours with the families of the victims.
“
They are going through hell,
” he said.
Both those who survived the collapse and those who lost loved ones.
I spent a lot of time with the families.
A lot of time.
I thought it was important to meet all the people who wanted to talk to me.
"
► To read also: United States: anger rises in Surfside after the collapse of the building
"
There are no Democrats or Republicans here
"
Joe Biden assured families of the support of the whole country, and also praised the attitude of the elected officials of Florida, the Republicans.
“
My message today
,” he said, “
is that we are here for you, The whole nation.
This is America: come together, leave no one behind.
And that's the thing that makes me feel good, this cohesion that exists.
There are no Democrats or Republicans here.
There are just the right people who do what it takes to help their fellow citizens.
"
The US president even announced to the Republican governor of Florida that the federal state could reimburse the state for all costs incurred to provide relief.
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