Democratic CNN commentator and lawyer Bakari Sellers apologized on Thursday for seemingly blaming President Donald Trump for the American Airlines plane crash Wednesday night.
Newsweek reached out to Sellers via social media direct message and the White House via email for comment on Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was also contacted by Newsweek, but it referred to the White House for comment.
Why It Matters
An American Airlines plane originating from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.
A large search-and-rescue operation has been launched in the nearby Potomac River. The precise number of casualties and survivors remains unclear, but D.C. Fire EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a Thursday morning news conference, "At this point we don't believe there are any survivors."
What To Know
In the aftermath of the collision, many Trump critics suggested that the president risked a security incident when he signed an executive order on January 20 implementing a freeze on hiring federal civilian employees. This was an effort to downsize the federal government and remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
As part of the hiring freeze, no federal civilian position that was vacant at noon on January 20 would be filled, and no new positions would be created unless required by law or under the president's orders. Trump's order does not apply to military personnel or positions related to immigration enforcement, national security or public safety.
In reaction to the freeze, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation Steven Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat, issued statements on January 22 accusing Trump of a "dangerous freeze of air traffic control hiring."
There is currently no indication that Trump's executive order played a role in the plane crash, and it's unclear whether the freeze prevents the FAA from hiring new air traffic controllers or if these roles fall under public safety professionals.
Sellers shared a photo of Larsen and Cohen's statements on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday and wrote, "8 days ago."
After receiving backlash for his post, Sellers deleted it. In a follow-up post from Wednesday, he wrote he removed 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 said. "I recognize, and I will do better. The only thing that matters is rescuing the survivors, and ensuring this never happens again."
What People Are Saying
Dave Galluch, a Navy Explosives Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD) and former U.S. congressional candidate, wrote on X on Wednesday in response to Sellers now-deleted post: "Another absolutely horrid take, this time courtesy of @Bakari_Sellers. 1) The hiring freeze did NOT apply to ATC. 2) Even if the headline was accurate, using the death of 60+ innocent people to get a political dig in an hour after their death is as low as you can go. Say less."
Gunther Eagleman, a political commentator and Trump supporter, commented on Seller's apology post on Wednesday: "You said what you said with a clear intention of politicizing it. You 'owning' it is a cop out. Mask off moment."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday: "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, 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. NOT GOOD."
American Airlines told Newsweek via email: "Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."
If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
American Airlines will continue to release information as it becomes available. Please monitor news.aa.com and American's official X account @AmericanAir for the latest information.
What Happens Next
As officials comb through the Potomac River in tough weather conditions, U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon launched an investigation into the crash.
