The Claim: First Responders working around the clock to save lives after the Texas Flash Floods

A post from US Soldier and former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy shed light on the first responders in action in the aftermath of the flash floods in Texas. The theme was one of gratitude and gratefulness to the“amazing men and women on the ground doing anything and everything they can to save lives.”

Kennedy’s Instagram post read, “These are some of toughest people conducting these rescue operations, and of course it is starting to rain again this afternoon. Simply amazing men and women on the ground doing anything and everything they can to save lives.

We are lucky and grateful for the Sherriff, the Commissioner, the Constable, every Texan that has stepped up, all the Texas businesses, and the entire EMS and LEO community for their never ending commitment to their communities.”

Tim Kennedy’s Instagram post featured a video taken from a helicopter, surveying the on-ground scene of stagnant puddles of water and motorhomes at a stretch just adjacent to a road and a river. 

Initially shared on Instagram on July 7, this was the fourth such post on the natural disaster; the second post in salute to the first responders. The first one came on July 7 on Instagram. Similar posts were even posted by Tim Kennedy on X on July 7. 

Our Rating: True

The Texas floods have caused widespread devastation and displacement. First responders have been key to searching for survivors of the flooding disaster, and the efforts are ongoing, per an update from the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott. This claim is supported by an update from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, adding that there are over 400 responders from 20 agencies at work in the region with K9 units and vehicles on the ground, water, and air working on search and rescue. 

These posts were shared by former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy, with his X account “verified since May 2011” and Instagram account verified in “July 2015.” The army veteran is not the only prominent name to salute the first responders, with President Trump doing so on his Truth Social handle. (with many prominent individuals, including President Trump, saluting them on Truth Social.) 

First Responders continue to play a key role in the Texas Floods

New outlets and government offices provide the American people with regular updates about the aftermath of the Texas flash floods, which have seen 81 people killed, per a report from USA Today on July 7. A report from Fox Weather informed audiences that the operations are still underway for survivors of the tragic events that unfolded over the Fourth of July weekend. A release from July 4, 2025, stated, “The State of Texas has deployed more than 1,000 state responders and more than 800 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than 15 state agencies are currently responding to the flooding threat across the state.”

Now, days later, as the rescue efforts continue, neighboring states send in support to the Lone Star State.

Neighboring Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, has sent a 14-person team to assist in the response (Office of the Governor). Meanwhile, Virginia sent out crucial water rescue operations support members to provide aid on the ground (Office of the Governor). The State of Oklahoma has also joined in the efforts, with Governor Stitt announcing the deployment of two Type III swift water rescue teams to Texas (Office of the Governor). 

Our Fact Check Sources

• Tim Kennedy, July 7, 2025. Instagram Post
• Tim Kennedy, July 7, 2025. Instagram Post
• Office of the Governor of Gregg Abbott, July 7, 2025. X Post
• Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, July 7, 2025. Facebook Post
• Donald Trump, July 5, 2025. Truth Social Post
• USA Today, July 6, 2025. Death toll climbs to 81 as flood-ravaged Texas faces more rain; Trump plans visit: Updates
• Fox Weather, July 7, 2025. Facebook Post
• Texas Division of Energy Management, July 4, 2025. Release
• State of Louisiana, Office of the Governor, July 7, 2025. Release
• Governor of Virginia, July 6, 2025. Release
• Governor of Oklahoma, July 5, 2025. Release
• EssentiallySports, July 6, 2025. U.S. Army & UFC Veteran Sends Moving Message to Texans Leading Heroic Flood Rescues