PORTLAND, Ore. — The mother of one of the girls who was the target of a hate-filled rant against Muslims on a Portland train has said she is overwhelmed with gratitude and sadness for the strangers who were stabbed to death when they came to her daughter’s defense.

Dyjuana Hudson posted a photo on her Facebook page Sunday of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, saying: “Thank you thank you thank you … You will always be our hero …. I’m soooooo sorry this happened.”

Meche, 23, and Ricky John Best, 53, were killed Friday as they tried to stop Jeremy Joseph Christian from harassing Hudson’s 16-year-old daughter, Destinee Mangum, and her friend, authorities have said. The friend was wearing a hijab. Christian’s social media postings indicate an affinity for Nazis and political violence.

He was charged with aggravated murder, intimidation and a firearms charge and is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.

President Trump on Monday condemned the fatal stabbing of the good Samaritans. “The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable,” Trump said in a tweet. “The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them.”