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President Joe Biden arrived in fire-ravaged Maui on Monday to witness the aftermath of a devastating inferno that left widespread destruction and claimed the lives of at least 115 people more than a week ago. His visit aimed to assess the government's response to the deadliest American wildfire in over a century and reassure residents grappling with the aftermath.
The president's initial response to the Maui wildfires faced criticism, particularly from Republicans, who highlighted a nearly five-day gap between Biden's initial comments on the fires and his subsequent public address addressing the tragedy.
During his visit, Biden sought to provide solace and support to residents as he surveyed the scorched landscape. Standing near the historic Lahaina banyan tree, which had suffered scorching to its branches, Biden offered a message of resilience.
“Today it’s burnt, but it’s still standing,” Biden said. “Trees survive for a reason. I believe it’s a powerful, very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis. For as long as it takes, we’re going to be with you, the whole country (will) be with you.”
However, the grim search for victims continues, with approximately 850 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. Emergency responders and cadaver dogs are working tirelessly to locate victims amidst the charred remains of the area.
Meanwhile, as the President toured the fire-ravaged area, a video surfaced on social media, purportedly showing him appearing to fall asleep during a meeting with survivors of the Maui fires. The video has gone viral, sparking discussions and further attention online.
Remember that time Joe Biden looked at his watch when the caskets of 13 dead soldiers were being returned from his chaotic Afghanistan pullout?
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) August 22, 2023
Well now he just fell asleep during a ceremony in Hawaii honoring the hundreds of Americans killed by the firespic.twitter.com/llASoLvRY5
[Information from CNN, Latestly.com]
