diff --git a/frigate/api/event.py b/frigate/api/event.py
index 17fc5c776..267d13bc9 100644
--- a/frigate/api/event.py
+++ b/frigate/api/event.py
@@ -227,9 +227,9 @@ def events():
         elif sort == "score_desc":
             order_by = Event.data["score"].desc()
         elif sort == "date_asc":
-            Event.start_time.asc()
+            order_by = Event.start_time.asc()
         elif sort == "date_desc":
-            Event.start_time.desc()
+            order_by = Event.start_time.desc()
     else:
         order_by = Event.start_time.desc()