A CNN commentator has deleted a social media post seemingly blaming the President of the United States after the horrific air crash that involved an American Airlines jet colliding with an Army helicopter.
Donald Trump declared "Americans' hearts are shattered" during a White House press conference shortly after the new broke. Just ten days into his presidency, he addressed the nation's mourning and confirmed that what began as a large-scale "search and rescue operation" has since shifted to recovery efforts.
"Sadly there are no survivors. As one nation we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly," said Trump, reflecting on the impact of the tragedy which "really shaken a lot of people," extending beyond U.S. borders due to foreign nationals being among those onboard.
In response to the tragedy, CNN commentator Bakari Sellers took to Twitter (X) to share a screenshot of a recent release from House Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding a Trump-issued hiring freeze on air traffic controllers. The linked article included a statement warning about the threat a aviation freeze could be on safety in the air.
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AP)Sellers captioned the link shared with his Twitter (X) followers: "Eight days ago." The tweet was met with outrage from many who accused Sellers of trying to capitalise politically on a tragedy. He later deleted the post and apologised, writing: "I deleted the post because timing matters.
"Politics at this point does not. I f***ed up, I own that. I am very prayerful but I’m also very frustrated upset and disturbed with where we are as a country." He concluded: "I recognize, and I will do better. The only thing that matters is rescuing the survivors, and ensuring this never happens again."
Trump also conveyed his and Melania Trump's deepest sympathies to the bereaved families during his address earlier today. "We do not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions and ideas," he revealed, committing to preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
While details about the collision remain unclear, investigations are underway by the US military and National Transportation Safety Board. "We'll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," Trump assured. With searches ongoing for the victims, Trump emphasised unity in grief: "We are one family and today we are all heartbroken."
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Twitter/Bakari_Sellers)In regards to administrative response, Trump announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as the acting commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration, bringing his 22 years of experience to the role while awaiting Senate confirmation for a permanent commissioner.
During the press conference, Trump lashed out at Barack Obama and Joe Biden for what he perceives as weakening regulations, remarking: "I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first. They put politics at a level that nobody's ever seen." He further criticized their approach as "their policy was horrible" and took credit for signing executive orders that "restored the highest standards of air traffic." In the wake of the crash, Trump immediately posted on his Truth Social account, indicating that the incident "looks like it should have been prevented."
In a grave announcement, officials stated on Thursday that all 64 individuals on board the aircraft were feared dead in what could be classified as the worst US aviation tragedy in nearly twenty-five years. Rescue teams managed to retrieve at least 28 bodies from the frigid waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter seemingly collided with the jet during its descent to Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington late Wednesday, according to officials.
The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. Fire Chief John Donnelly has delivered a sombre update, stating, "We don't believe there are any survivors," as the operation shifts from rescue to recovery. The plane was discovered in three parts, submerged in waist-deep water of the Potomac River, with search efforts extending to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Amidst the tragedy, the helicopter wreckage was also located. Should there be no survivors, this incident would mark the deadliest US air crash since 2009. While the cause of the collision remains unknown, the skies were clear as the jet, carrying US and Russian figure skaters among others, approached from Wichita, Kansas. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared details of the accident: "On final approach into Reagan National, it collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach," adding, "At this time, we don't know why the military aircraft came into the path of the ... aircraft."
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