Pool Reports of December 28, 2024

Travel pool report #1 — Call time pushed

Good afternoon from St. Croix. Our call time, which was 2pm, is now 2:45pm AST.

Travel pool report #2 — Motorcade rolling

The pool was swept outside where the president is staying. We joined the motorcade at 3:51pm, rolling now.

Travel pool report #3 — Church arrival

The motorcade has arrived at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Christiansted, on the north shore of the island. The president entered at 4:06pm, we could see him through the doorway greeting people inside below an American flag installed on the wall. He appeared to be wearing a navy jacket.

Pool is holding on the sidewalk opposite the church.

Travel pool report #4 — Leaving church + plane crash

The president exited at 5:13pm. Per WH he was attending mass.

He responded to a shouted question about whether Putin should take responsibility for the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash. "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him."

While waiting outside the church we could see a glimpse through tall open windows, of stained glass on the inside and seated parishioners. We could also faintly hear the service, church music and some applause at different times. Some roosters were crowing.

Motorcade is rolling.

Travel pool report #5 — Return & lid

We dropped the president off at 5:31pm, and we have a lid. Have a good evening.