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Reactions pour in from DMV leaders, lawmakers after deadly plane crash near Reagan Airport
Reactions pour in from DMV leaders, lawmakers after deadly plane crash near Reagan Airport
Reactions pour in from DMV leaders, lawmakers after deadly plane crash near Reagan Airport

Published on: 01/30/2025

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WASHINGTON (7News) — Leaders across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, as well as federal lawmakers, are reacting to the tragic American Airlines plane crash near Reagan National Airport after a midair collision with a U.S. Army helicopter.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and said the city is working closely with federal and local agencies on response efforts.

On Wednesday evening, 60 passengers from Kansas were heading to DCA when their plane collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter while approaching the airport's runway.

"As we continue to pray for all involved, we are grateful for the efforts of our first responders during this tragic event," Mayor Bowser wrote on X.

RELATED | Deadly plane collision captured on video with Black Hawk Helicopter near Reagan Airport

Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines, said in a video statement, "First, and most importantly, I'd like to express our deep sorrow about these events."

"This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders along with their families and loved ones." - Robert Isom

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore expressed the state was assisting emergency crews on the scene.

"We are closely monitoring the aviation collision incident that occurred earlier this evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response. @MDMEMA has raised its Emergency Operations Center to "Enhanced" status in support. @MDSP have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions. @MarylandDNR police are also on scene. There are no operational restrictions on BWI at this time. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available," Gov. Moore posted on X.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin also shared his support, stating "First responders from across Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders."

GALLERY | First images of DC plane crash wreckage near Reagan Airport

On Capitol Hill, several lawmakers released statements offering support.

President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday night he was briefed on the mid-air collision. He questioned the actions of the helicopter pilot on Truth Social.

The White House released Trump's official statement as well: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May gob Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Vice President JD Vance: "Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” Vance wrote on X.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Army and Defense Department would "immediately" launch an investigation into the collision.

"Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families. Investigation launched immediately by Army & DoD," Hegseth wrote on X.

Sen. Mark Warner: "I’m closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and my office is in touch with officials as the response effort begins. My thoughts are with all victims and first responders as they address this concerning and tragic incident."

U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: "I have spoken with Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly, and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance. Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations."

Sen. Ted Cruz: "I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway."

FBI statement: "The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding to an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners. Please direct questions regarding this incident to the National Transportation Safety Board."

Other reactions:

Statement from U.S. Figure Skating:

"U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas

We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."

Qatar Airways statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the news involving our oneworld partner, American Airlines’ regional carrier, American Eagle Flight 5342. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the passengers, crew and all those affected. As a global aviation community, we stand together in this difficult time, offering our support to American Airlines and all those impacted."

D.C. Fire and EMS Department:

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr described the extreme conditions emergency crews face, "It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold, they’re dealing with relatively windy conditions. Wind is hard out on the river."

The Air and Space Forces Association also confirmed they were responding to the midair collision incident.

"We ask the public to keep the families in your thoughts and respect efforts to get information to loved ones first as everyone clings to hope for survivors. Please avoid speculation at any time," the union said in a statement.

News Source : https://wfxl.com/news/nation-world/plan-crash-reaction-american-airlines-reagan-airport-dca-washington-dc-donald-trump-bowser-moore-youngkin-white-house-dmv-lawmakers-react-deadly-wichita-kansas-potomac-river-rescue-mission-recovering

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