Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at a church in suburban Atlanta, addressed the gangway collapse that occurred on Sapelo Island, killing and injuring attendees at a cultural celebration.
🛑 Why It Matters: The tragic collapse of the dock, which was meant to host a celebration of culture and history, has left a community devastated and grieving. The Vice President’s acknowledgment underscores the federal government’s support and attention in the aftermath of the tragedy.
🛠️ What’s Happening: Harris, while campaigning at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, expressed her sorrow over the event and confirmed ongoing efforts by federal, state, and local officials to assist those impacted by the structural failure.
“I will address the tragic incident that happened yesterday at Sapelo Island, when a dock collapsed, during what was to be a joyful celebration of history and culture, and while we are still gathering information, we know that lives were lost and many were injured, and so my heart, as I know for all of us, goes out to those who were impacted,” Harris said.
• The collapse occurred on Saturday at Marsh Landing Dock during a celebration.
• Harris stated the administration is staying in contact with officials to ensure resources are available for recovery.
📜 Between the Lines: While the focus of Harris’s visit was on motivating voters for the upcoming election, her comments about the Sapelo Island incident highlighted the administration’s concern for affected communities in the region.
• The collapse claimed seven lives and left several injured, casting a shadow over the cultural event.
🗳️ Catch Up Quick: Harris’s visit was part of a nationwide push to increase voter turnout, particularly within Black communities, under the “SOULS to the POLLS” initiative.