Friend,

It’s difficult to find the right words in moments of such incredible sorrow, and today, we are a nation in mourning.

For the first time in nearly 16 years, a U.S. commercial air crash has occurred—and we’re told by officials that there are no survivors. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on American Airlines Flight 5342 and four people on board the Army helicopter that collided with it in midair.

Susan and I offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims during this heartbreaking time. We are thinking about you and praying for you, and we will do everything we can to show our support.

To the brave first responders who jumped into the freezing waters of the Potomac last night, desperately searching for survivors, your bravery and commitment to the community deserve our highest praise.

As Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out, the U.S. has the safest airspace in the world, which makes this accident even more difficult to fathom. I’m confident that we will leave no stone unturned as this investigation unfolds to ensure we get the answers these families deserve, and most importantly, to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.

Please join me in continuing to pray for all those affected by this devastating loss.

Sincerely,