See President Trump honor the heroes of Dayton and El Paso

Last month, America witnessed a pair of horrific shootings that took the lives of nearly 30 innocent people in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Both were acts of barbaric hatred.

In the midst of tragedy, one image in particular brought us hope: public safety officers and ordinary citizens alike risking their own lives to save countless of their fellow Americans. President Donald J. Trump today presented the Medal of Valor to several brave Dayton Police Officers, as well as Heroic Commendation honors to a group of civilian heroes from El Paso.

Watch: President Trump honors 11 incredible patriots

In Dayton, six law enforcement officials immediately engaged the gunman after he opened fire on a crowded downtown street. Within 32 seconds of the attack beginning, these officers brought the murderer down. “We are in awe of your swift response, sterling professionalism, and rock-solid nerves of steel,” President Trump said.

In El Paso, five every-day Americans rose up to save others during the brutal attack at a Walmart. One incredible example came from store manager Robert Evans, who instantly alerted employees of the active shooter—then raced inside the store to help customers escape to the nearest exits.

“In the darkest moments of danger and despair, God calls the bravest to action. These 11 individuals answered the call,” the President said.

President Trump presents Medals of Valor and Heroic Commendations.

By the numbers: The fight to end our border crisis

In August, the number of illegal immigrants entering or attempting to enter the United States declined significantly thanks to President Trump’s recent moves to secure our border.

Border apprehensions fell to just over 64,000 in August, down from more than 82,000 in July. All told, the number of illegal aliens arriving at our border has dropped by 56 percent since the peak of the crisis in May. It marks the first time in 5 years that border apprehensions have dropped between July and August.

“The President has made it very clear that’s he going to use every tool available to him—and this Administration—to address this unprecedented crisis at the southern border,” Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan said in a press briefing today. “We have seen historic agreements and policies put in place.”

In particular, President Trump’s tariff-backed negotiations with Mexico earlier this year led to stepped-up enforcement from Mexican authorities at their own southern border. In just the past few months, Mexico has apprehended about 134,000 people, helping relieve pressure from U.S. law enforcement officers in southwestern states.

None of this happened by accident. Americans elected President Trump to enforce the law both within our country and at our doorstep, which is exactly what he’s doing.

Politico: Trump’s plan to stem border crossings gets results.

More: “Pace of border wall construction doubled, work on private land begins”

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

President Trump honors the Medal of Valor and Heroic Commendations recipients during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House | September 9, 2019