Quotes
The challenges are access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep,
Washington, D.C., Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said And because there’s not a lot of lights, you’re out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody,
All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update."
The airport issued a statement saying 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."
Senator Ted Cruz took to Twitter, stating 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."
Vice President JD Vance took to Twitter advising Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene."
The DC Fire and EMS didn't hesitate to confirm MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding."
The DC Police Department announced We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available."
American Airlines released a statement saying There’s no question that people on this flight would be people that I know,
The conditions out there are extremely rough,
They’re going to close the airport.”
A minute later, he sends the pilot back to the gate, saying Flight deck, do you have any type of search light or anything on board that would help shed some light
Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families,
What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!"
In a follow-up post, Trump said I don’t know if we’re going to be able to resume operations in the near future,
The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing,
Trump wrote on his app Truth Social Three seconds later, and at that point it was banked all the way to the right... I could see the underside of it, it was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it,
Initially I saw the plane and it looked fine, normal. It was right about to head over land,
We saw the helicopters. I was like, ‘They’re looking for something,
Our cooperation is without pause, and we want to learn everything we can about today’s events. That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we’re doing, and right now that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families,
