A small moment of kindness showed President Joe Biden picking up a toy the daughter of the late Capitol police officer William Evans dropped during a ceremony to honor her father inside of the Capitol rotunda.
While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was speaking during the service, President Biden got out of his chair and returned the small toy Capitol dome to Abigail Evans.
Photos and video of the moment were shared widely on social media.
President Biden picks up a Capitol dome toy and hands it back to Abigail, Officer Evans' daughter https://t.co/oKjyeYOijb— Kathryn Watson (@Kathryn Watson) 1618327873.0
.@POTUS Biden jumped out of his chair to pick up a toy dropped by fallen officer Billy Evan’s daughter, Abigail, du… https://t.co/VFlih2XBi5— Tyson Whelan (@Tyson Whelan) 1618328119.0
Immediately people were pointing out the difference between Biden and former President Donald Trump.
@tyson_whelan @POTUS Donald Trump would have pocketed the toy on national television, then vigorously denied it whe… https://t.co/9xnx3ht3K2— Shoq (@Shoq) 1618346862.0
@tyson_whelan @POTUS Each day that passes I am more encouraged by President Joe Biden. I am so proud to have his as… https://t.co/XIX4ZItPvN— Danielle Candela (@Danielle Candela) 1618344818.0
"A greater compliment does no one have than the President of the United States looking after your toys," Pelosi said, through chuckles.
Evans was killed earlier this month after being struck by a car that charged a security checkpoint outside of the Capitol.
@kathrynw5 Another moment of compassion from Joe Biden. I predict that he won't even brag about it the next time he… https://t.co/vttKhZzHMB— Dr. Andy Jones (@Dr. Andy Jones) 1618329336.0
@kathrynw5 @jdawsey1 Whereas the former president would instead be hitting on the girl's mom.— Siracusa (@Siracusa) 1618328133.0
@kathrynw5 @jdawsey1 THIS IS WHEN I BEGAN TO CRY. Kindness displayed and not for a photo op. @POTUS is a kind man!… https://t.co/RDFYtl4mvV— Peachykeen54🇺🇸💉💉 (@Peachykeen54🇺🇸💉💉) 1618328578.0
@kathrynw5 I want Joe Biden to adopt me 🥰— 🌸Jacquie_RN 🩺🌸 🇨🇦 (@🌸Jacquie_RN 🩺🌸 🇨🇦) 1618328028.0
@vpardi @kathrynw5 @RaeMargaret61 He has Empathy, something that was completely missing from the last guy.— Scott R 🏁 (@Scott R 🏁) 1618339778.0
Biden then spoke in Evans' honor, recounting the grief of losing a loved one himself.
"My prayer for all of you is that a day will come when you have that memory and you smile before you bring a tear to your eyes," he said.
"I promise you it's going to come. It just takes awhile."
Pres. Biden eulogizes Capitol Officer Billy Evans: ‘My prayer for all of you is that a day will come when you have… https://t.co/83BpZUQsZo— NowThis (@NowThis) 1618328839.0
@kathrynw5 @jdawsey1 He is the anthesis of the former guy - in EVERY way.— Dave Perrino - Get vaccinated, it's patriotic 🇺🇸 (@Dave Perrino - Get vaccinated, it's patriotic 🇺🇸) 1618328035.0
@kathrynw5 It's really, really hard to get used to having a president who is genuinely a nice person again. It m… https://t.co/4Ingl7mOMG— ChicaLoca (@ChicaLoca) 1618359072.0
@nowthisnews This President has such a good and caring heart - he knows how to console others with his wonderful sense of true empathy.💙💙💙— Donovan716* (@Donovan716*) 1618350958.0
@nowthisnews President Joseph R. Biden is a profoundly decent, honorable and caring man.— Terriemorrell (@Terriemorrell) 1618361268.0
"Your son, your husband, your brother, your dad was a hero. And he's part of you. It's in your blood. My prayer for you is that moment of a smile comes before the tear, quicker, then longer."
Biden then offered some private words for the family before concluding his speech.
Compassion in the highest office of the United States of America is something sorely needed during the pandemic and increased incidents of racist violence and insurrection over the past four years.
Having it openly demonstrated by the POTUS will probably continue to be newsworthy until it becomes expected again.