Trump Honors Fallen Deputies with Medals of Sacrifice Amid Viral Moment

On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump held a heartfelt ceremony honoring three fallen deputies from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office: Corporal Luis Paez Jr., Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz. The president posthumously awarded them the first-ever Medal of Sacrifice, recognizing their service and ultimate sacrifice.

A clip of Trump’s exchange with Alexandria Diaz, daughter of Deputy Diaz, went viral. Despite Trump’s kind words — “Your father would be proud of you” — Alexandria appeared stone-faced and declined to speak. The internet quickly dissected her body language, with opinions ranging from “She iced him” to “She’s mourning — give her grace.”

The fallen officers were struck by a vehicle while assisting with a disabled motorcycle on November 21, 2024. Two died at the scene; Diaz passed days later. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw praised their bravery, calling the tragedy “untrainable and unavoidable.”

As debates swirl online, one thing remains clear: these heroes’ sacrifices will never be forgotten.