Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., got a standing ovation after she praised the 5th Congressional District that has been the center of the civil rights community.

“We are proud of the progress we have made in this city and this district,” King said to loud cheers from a standing-room only crowd at Ebenezer Bpatist Church on Monday.

King's comment comes in response to President-elect Donald Trump's fight with civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis (D-Atlanta) over the weekend. After Lewis said he would not attend Trump's inauguration and suggested his presidency is not legitimate, Trump said the 5th district was "crime ridden" and in "horrible shape."

Hundreds gathered at the church to celebrate King’s father on a national holiday recognizing his contributions to the country.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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