American Airlines told CNN that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the airplane that collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter on approach to Reagan National Airport.
United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth published a statement on X, saying that the Department of Defense was "actively monitoring" and "poised to assist if needed."
The plane departed from Wichita, Kansas. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressed his sorrow on X, describing the situation as "nothing short of a nightmare." He called on the global community to join him in "praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident." Marshall also mentioned that he was in contact with local and national authorities to seek answers and pledged to "continue to demand more information on how this unfolded."
