Arizona Lawmakers Pray for D.C. American Airlines Victims

U.S. Capitol

Several Arizona lawmakers, including Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), offered condolences and prayers for the victims of the recent collision of an American Airlines (AA) passenger jet and U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, D.C.

The American Airlines flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, 19 of which have already been confirmed deceased after the plane crash-landed into the Potomac after the collision with the helicopter.

Dozens of emergency crews, first responders, and investigators are ceaselessly working to search for missing passengers and recover as much information as possible.

Political officials are asking how this crash could have occurred, as camera footage demonstrates that both the plane and the helicopter were flying clearly visible trajectories in perfect weather conditions.

President Donald Trump remarked that the weather was perfect, that "the lights on the plane were blazing," and asked, "Why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn?"

"Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented," President Trump added.

In a post to X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Biggs said, "Life is precious and fragile. What happened at Reagan National tonight is tragic. Please join me in praying for the victims and their loved ones. Thank you to all of the first responders who are working in rescue and recovery operations."

Rep. Crane posted, "Please pray for everyone involved," in response to the tragedy, urging continued prayer in a later post.

Rep. Ciscomani said he and his wife, Laura, "are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident at DCA. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, the flight crew, military personnel and all their family and loved ones," adding, "We thank all the brave first responders on the scene."

Finally, Rep. Hamadeh pledged to find answers, saying, "The unspeakable tragedy at DCA involving a commercial aircraft and U.S. military helicopter is devastating. While we wait for additional information, I pray for victims and heroic first responders. As a member of @HASCRepublicans, I will seek additional details from the DOD."

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.