Youngkin says all 67 involved in DC plane crash are ‘presumed dead’
On a tragic Wednesday night, a plane crash involving an American Airlines flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter has resulted in all 67 individuals onboard being “presumed deceased,” as stated by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The governor visited Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following the incident, where over 30 bodies have already been recovered. The operation has shifted from searching for survivors to a recovery mission, with efforts ongoing to support affected families during this unprecedented tragedy, which marks the first fatalities from a commercial plane crash in the U.S. in 16 years.
youngkin highlighted the need to understand why the Black Hawk helicopter intercepted the commercial flight, asserting that the flight had been routine up until the crash. President Trump has been monitoring the situation closely and expressed gratitude toward first responders for their efforts. Meanwhile, community leaders in Wichita, Kansas—which is where the flight originated—are holding prayers in response to the disaster.
Youngkin says all 67 involved in Potomac plane crash are ‘presumed dead’
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) assessed that all 67 people involved in Wednesday night’s plane crash are currently “presumed deceased” after a plane from American Airlines collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter.
Youngkin was one of several officials who traveled to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the crash. Over 30 bodies have been recovered as of Thursday morning. The governor told the Washington Examiner that authorities have shifted their response from rescuing any survivors to a recovery operation.
FIRST US COMMERCIAL PLANE CRASH FATALITIES IN 16 YEARS DUE TO MILITARY BLACK HAWK
“The 60 passengers on the American Airlines flight, plus the four crew members and the three crew members on the military helicopter, are all presumed deceased,” Youngkin told the Washington Examiner’s Tiana Lowe Doescher. “The recovery effort is undertaken in haste today, and we’re doing everything we can to support the NTSB as they support the families who have really, I’m sure, found themselves in a circumstance they couldn’t possibly imagine. What a tragic day.”
The Virginia governor also stated that it is currently unknown why the Black Hawk helicopter intercepted the airline on Wednesday night and that the NTSB will lead this investigation. He added that it was “clearly communicated” on Thursday morning that the flight was going by “routine” up until the crash, stressing a need to find out “what happened.”
Youngkin added that President Donald Trump was monitoring the crash “all night,” and the current priority must be giving the rescue workers the “space” needed to accomplish their job.
Trump expressed thanks to the first responders and the “incredible work” they have done in responding to the plane crash. Vice President JD Vance has also urged people to pray for those involved in the crash, calling it a “heartbreaking tragedy for Wichita,” the Kansas city where the flight originated.
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu announced a community prayer at city hall would be held in response to the plane crash at 12 p.m. CT.
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