Last night an American Airlines jet from Wichita crashed just short of the runway at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Below are statements from elected officials on the crash.
STATEMENT FROM SENATOR ROGER MARSHALL (JAN. 29)
“Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families.
There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.”
FROM SENATOR JERRY MORAN VIA X (JAN. 29)
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
I am in contact with authorities.
Please join me in praying for all involved.”
(DCA as the FAA designation for Reagan National) At a news conference overnight Senator Moran said he frequently flies on that flight.
FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP VIA X (JAN. 29)
“I Have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR LAURA KELLY (JAN 30)
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. I have been in constant communication with federal, state, and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives.”
STATEMENT FROM THE KANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION OF SENS. JERRY MORAN AND ROGER MARSHALL AND REPS. TRACEY MANN, DEREK SCHMIDT, SHARICE DAVIDS, AND RON ESTES (JAN. 30)
“Our prayers are with the families and friends of those affected by the tragic plane crash that occurred in our nation’s capital. South central Kansas is a close community, and it’s likely that many of us directly or indirectly know people who were on Flight 5342 on Jan. 29. This is a sad day for Kansans and our nation, and this community, steeped in aviation and manufacturing history, will feel the pain of this catastrophe for years to come. We are grateful for the first responders and rescue crews who worked through the night. Our focus now is supporting the family and friends of those who perished, including the crew and military personnel, and then getting answers for the grieving individuals who have lost a loved one and making sure this doesn’t happen again.”
