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Officer Ethan Curreri, who arrested the illegal alien that would go on to murder Laken Riley months later: “I personally arrested José Ibarra for endangering the welfare of a child. A few months later, I saw his face again in the news after he viciously murdered Laken Riley. I did my job. I put him in custody. The system failed; no detainer, no accountability, no deportation, and an innocent American life was taken. If you enter our country illegally, there will be consequences under this Administration.” (Watch (https://t.co/t8tcfGkzi2) )
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Distributed on February 23rd, 2026.
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2026035892008231207
White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool - In-town pool report #7-lunch lid
There's a lunch lid until 12:45pm.
Vivian Salama
Mon. Feb. 23, 11:47 AM
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2025980821153226939
White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool - In-town pool report #5a
Confirmed, the woman President Trump had the impromptu exchange with about her eye surgery (detailed in pool note #5) is Patty Morin. She’s about to take the stage.
Vivian Salama
Mon. Feb. 23, 11:06 AM
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2025971175436747036
White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool - In-town pool report #6
Trump signed the proclamation, flanked by Angel families. A candle was then lit in honor of the victims, whose names are being read out loud.
On background, names of the speakers:
Allyson Phillips-mother of Laken Riley
Officer Ethan Curreri
Steve Ronnebeck--father of Grant Ronnebeck
Marie Vega-the mother of Javier Vega Jr.
Laura Wilkerson-the mother of 18-year-old son Joshua
Jody Jones-brother of Rocky Jones
Vivian Salama
Mon. Feb. 23, 11:16 AM
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2025969716141904340
White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool - 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.
Vivian Salama
Mon. Feb. 23, 11:04 AM
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2025966802283417673
White House Press Pool Reports @WHPressPool - In-town pool report #4
President Trump arrived in the East Room to the tune of Hail to the Chief at 10:25am.
Again, his speech is being aired live.
Vivian Salama
Mon. Feb. 23, 10:27 AM
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2025957525166739938
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