In-town pool report #5

The even is ongoing, but here is some color from the room:

Laken Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, who was seated next to Tom Homan in the front row, was asked by POTUS to say a few words in what was an emotional account of her daughter’s life. (Homan stood up and helped her to the stage). She received a standing ovation after her remarks.

Marie Vega’s emotional account of the day her son Javier Vega, Jr. was killed, and affirmation of her family’s support for President Trump was met with nods from Secretary Noem. It inspired POTUS to reflect on the elections in his remarks — in particular the 2020 election which Vega said she believes POTUS won (prompting him to nod and smile)

An unidentified woman seated in the second row got into an impromptu back and forth with POTUS after he inquired about her health. “I want to give you a hug after,” she said. Trump said he paid for her cataract surgery. She shared some logistics about scheduling the surgery—said her grief was partly cause for the delay. (NOTE: we believe the woman is Patty Morin, who has publicly mentioned Trump’s offer to pay for her surgery, but your pooler will confirm when the event wraps up).

Your pooler also spotted advisor Sebastian Gorka standing near the East Room doors.