Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) is questioning whether diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) played a role in the fatal plane crash at Reagan Washington National Airport outside of Washington, D.C.
Ogles, in an interview with Fox News’s Maria Bartiromo, was asked if there was any reason to suspect foul play in the accident. The Tennessee Republican, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, said he would “hate to jump to conclusions.”
“Obviously, we’ll look at everything, check all the boxes,” he told Bartiromo, adding that he saw the crash on his phone and was “horrified.” The lawmaker said he is praying for all those affected by the tragedy.
“But, you know, to your point, I think you have to look at this with eyes wide open,” Ogles continued. “See what happened. You know, human error. Was it some sort of equipment failure? Did DEI play a role in this type of thing?”
It is unclear what caused the Wednesday evening collision, but Ogles said officials have to make sure “something like this never happens.”
“It’s been a number of years since we’ve had an aircraft collision such as this. And so again, prayers for all those impacted,” he added.
The crash occurred late Wednesday night, when an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane collided. A recovery mission is underway for the 60 passengers and four crew members onboard the flight and the three service members on the Black Hawk helicopter. Officials said they do not expect to find any survivors.
It is not the first time Republicans have questioned if DEI played a role in a fatal accident.
Following the collapse of the Baltimore bridge last year, Utah State Rep. Phil Lyman (R) insinuated the tragedy was the result of politicians who “prioritize diversity over the wellbeing and security of citizens.”
