Attendees wave flags as music is played before Vice President Mike Pence made comments at First Baptist Church Dallas during a Celebrate Freedom Rally in Dallas, Sunday, June 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:00 AM PT — Monday, June 29, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Texas to meet with local leaders and discuss the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 in the state.
On Sunday, he delivered remarks at the First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas before holding a joint press conference alongside state Gov. Greg Abbott (R). His church appearance was met with a crowd of supporters as part of an annual patriotic service to celebrate freedom.
During his speech, Pence weighed in on the ongoing challenges facing the nation and called on churchgoers to hold on to their faith. He went on to commend Gov. Abbott for his “courageous and compassionate leadership.”
Additionally, the vice president pledged he will provide the resources needed to help the state win its fight against coronavirus. He also noted that with President Trump’s leadership, Texas will be bigger and better than ever.
“To you, the people of Texas, we are with you and we are going to stay with you,” stated Pence. “We are going to make sure that Texas and your health care system in Texas have the resources, have the supplies, have the personnel to meet this moment.”
Vice President Mike Pence makes remarks as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott looks on during a news conference after Pence met with Abbott and members of his healthcare team regarding COVID-19 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center West Campus in Dallas, Sunday, June 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Over the past few weeks, the state has seen an increase in cases with the daily average number of infections rising to more than 5,000.
“We need to understand that COVID-19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Gov. Abbot. “Over just the past few weeks, the daily number of cases have gone from an average of about 2,000 to more than 5,000 per day.”
Pence urged residents to wear face coverings and continue maintaining social distancing, while linking the recent spike to young Americans who he said “don’t appear to be following the rules.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Abbott issued an executive order earlier this week expanding hospital capacity, closing down bars and reducing restaurant occupancy.
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