President Joe Biden will meet with some relatives of the six construction workers who died in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore. The collapse occurred after a cargo ship hit one of its support pillars, sending the bridge into the water and disrupting the port of Baltimore. The White House has announced that Biden will be meeting with local officials, viewing the wreckage of the bridge, and addressing the concerns of the families affected by this tragedy.
Tom Perez, the White House director of intergovernmental affairs, visited with some of the families of the victims last week and described their grief as inconsolable. He emphasized the urgency with which officials are working to recover the remaining four bodies that are still unaccounted for in the twisted mess of steel. Perez is working closely with the families, coordinating with various government agencies, including US Citizenship and Immigration Services, to address their needs and concerns.
The US is currently engaged in different processes involving four different countries to coordinate the visits of some of the relatives to the United States. Specific requests from the families include visits to the US and the repatriation of at least one victim’s body. Perez highlighted the range of needs that the families have and emphasized the importance of supporting them during this difficult time. He mentioned that one spouse repeatedly expressed the desire to have the victim’s body returned, underscoring the deep emotional impact of the tragedy.
Perez acknowledged the profound impact of the collapse on both the families affected and President Biden. He described the situation as a “gut punch” for all involved and expressed a commitment to providing assistance and support to the families. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to ensure that all of the families’ needs are addressed. Despite the challenges and complexities involved in the recovery process, Perez emphasized the administration’s dedication to helping the families navigate this difficult time.
During an appearance on MSNBC, Perez reiterated the devastation experienced by the families of the victims and expressed his own personal struggle with the situation. He acknowledged that the families’ pain far outweighed his own and stressed the importance of ensuring that all workers have the right to return home safely after work. Perez’s interactions with the families revealed the profound impact of the tragedy and reinforced the administration’s commitment to providing ongoing support and assistance to those affected. The recovery efforts will continue, and every effort will be made to assist the families in any way possible.
