Share on FacebookOn Tuesday, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to fallen law enforcement officers in an emotional ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The event, held near the U.S. Capitol, honored officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Speaking to a crowd of grieving families, fellow officers, and supporters, Trump described those who served as "among the bravest Americans to ever live."
"They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in safety and in peace," he said.
Honoring Officer Miosotis Familia
During his speech, Trump took a moment to recognize Officer Miosotis Familia, a New York City police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2017. Familia, a mother of three, was shot while sitting in a police vehicle in the Bronx. The gunman was later killed by police.
Trump invited Familia’s family, including her elderly mother, Adrianna Valoy, to join him on stage. In a rare moment of warmth, he joked that Valoy, who is 90 years old, climbed the stairs to the stage faster than he did.
"You look like you’re 55," he told her, drawing applause and laughter from the crowd.
He then turned to Familia’s children, telling them how proud their mother would be of them.
"She's looking down, and she's so proud of you," Trump said. "Your mom's legacy will never, ever die. You have good genes. Right? Good genes. The best genes I’ve ever seen."
A Call for Stronger Border Security
While the ceremony was focused on honoring fallen officers, Trump also used the moment to push for stronger border security. He spoke about Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez, who died while responding to a call near the Texas border.
"That is why we are calling on Congress to secure our borders, support our border agents, stop sanctuary cities, and shut down policies that release violent criminals back into our communities," he said. "We don’t want it any longer. We’ve had it. Enough is enough."
A Tribute to Heroes
For the families left behind, the ceremony was both a moment of grief and a moment of pride—a chance to remember loved ones who put their lives on the line to protect their communities.
