Youngkin praises ‘heroism’ by Virginia rescue teams with Helene relief – Washington Examiner
Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia commended the heroic efforts of rescue teams responding to Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the sense of unity that arises during natural disasters. While North Carolina faced the most severe damage, Youngkin noted that Virginia, among other states, was also affected. He expressed heartbreak over the devastating impact on communities and praised the extraordinary actions of Virginia State Police and National Guardsmen who performed dramatic rescues from flooded areas.
Youngkin highlighted the community’s collaborative response, including individuals from across the country traveling to aid in rescue operations. He expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of urgency from President Biden and Vice President Harris in tackling the crisis, advocating for innovative solutions from private entities, such as Elon Musk’s provision of Starlink satellites to restore internet access.
In addition, Youngkin recognized local nonprofit organizations, like Samaritan’s Purse and United Way, for their rapid disaster relief efforts, calling the situation an “all-hands-on-deck moment.” the governor’s statements reflected a focus on community resilience and the critical role of various entities in responding to the challenges posed by the hurricane.
Youngkin praises ‘heroism’ by Virginia rescue teams with Helene relief
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) praised the acts of “heroism” enacted by various rescue teams from Virginia in response to Hurricane Helene, stating these natural disasters give people a chance “to come together and to help one another.”
While North Carolina has received the brunt of the hurricane’s damage, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee have also been affected, with Youngkin traveling to the southwestern part of his state over the weekend to survey the damage. The governor said it was “heartbreaking” to see communities “literally” washed away, adding that this hurricane provides a moment of unity within the country.
“What I saw last Friday in Virginia was the extraordinary demonstration of heroism,” Youngkin said on Fox News’s Hannity. “Virginia State Police flying to Unicoi County in Tennessee and rescuing patients off the roof of a hospital that was being flooded. Virginia National Guardsmen rappelling out of Black Hawk helicopters into rushing waters, pulling people out of cars. And when I visited yesterday with electricity out for hundreds of thousands of Virginians and cellphone coverage completely disabled, they need food, they need water, people have gone to work.”
Virginia’s governor added that he was “encouraged” by the actions people have taken in the hurricane’s aftermath, which have seen both southwest Virginia residents working together and people around the country traveling to North Carolina to help search and rescue missions.
When asked about the lack of action taken by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in response to this tragedy, the governor contended that people need “innovation” in times of crisis. He pointed to SpaceX owner and billionaire Elon Musk providing Starlink satellites to provide internet access to those affected, praising the billionaire for his “brilliant” help.
Since the Hurricane Helene disaster, SpaceX has sent as many Starlink terminals as possible to help areas in need.
Earlier today, @realDonaldTrump alerted me to additional people who need Starlink Internet in North Carolina. We are sending them terminals right away.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024
Youngkin also praised nonprofit groups, such as Samaritan’s Purse and United Way, for their quick response in providing disaster relief, stating this is an “all-hands-on-deck moment.” He also thanked Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) for calling him to ask what Virginia needed for aid.
In the weeks to come, Youngkin predicted the southeastern parts of the United States are in for “a long recovery period,” mirroring how Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) predicted it would take “years” for his state to recover fully from Hurricane Helene.
Former President Donald Trump visited Georgia on Monday, after which he knocked Biden and Harris for their “REALLY BAD RESPONSE” to the hurricane on Truth Social. Biden, meanwhile, said he will tour the destruction in North Carolina on Wednesday and will visit the other states soon.
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