President Donald Trump offered the hope of God’s reception in heaven of the young girls lost at Camp Mystic during last week’s flooding in Texas.
During a visit to the disaster scene in Kerrville, Texas, Trump described the Christian camp as a legendary place that has been serving youth and their families for generations.
A total of 27 campers and counselors lost their lives when a flash flood hit the area in the early morning hours of the Fourth of July, when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. The death toll overall in the region is over 120.
“They were there because they loved God,” Trump said of the girls at the camp during a meeting with first responders.
“And as we grieve this unthinkable tragedy, we take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into his comforting arms in heaven,” he added.
First Lady Melania Trump said, “My deepest sympathy to all of the parents who lost beautiful young souls.”
“We are grieving with you. Our nation is grieving with you,” she further stated.
Mrs. Trump recounted that she and the president had just met with some of the family members who lost loved ones.
“We prayed with them. We [hugged]. We [held] hands. They shared their stories,” she said.