New York, NY — Yesterday evening’s plane crash in D.C. was an unacceptable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all 67 individuals whose lives were lost, and I am grateful to the first responders who put their own lives at risk at the crash site. 

While air travel has historically been one of the safest modes of transportation, the recent Trump Administration’s attempt to halt federal aviation funding and an already understaffed air traffic control network made tragedies like this one a matter of when, not if. This was not the result of DEI initiatives and it is unfortunate that while Americans are mourning the President has cast blame on our military personnel. 

While I look forward to the results of a full investigation into the cause of last night’s events, it is clear that adequate funding and staffing levels are critical to ensure the safety of the millions of Americans who rely on air travel. It is on this administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:

Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov

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