A CNN analyst promptly removed a message and expressed regret after implying that President Donald Trump was connected to the aircraft crash in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
In a message shared on X, network contributor Bakari Sellers argued that “timing is crucial” when it comes to discussing politics after a tragedy—and that he may have addressed it prematurely, while local emergency responders are still searching for survivors.
The Federal Aviation Administration, American Airlines, and the U.S. Army have all confirmed that a commercial flight operated by American Airlines collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday evening at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, causing both aircraft to plunge into the frigid waters of the adjacent Potomac River.
Aboard the commercial flight were 60 passengers along with four crew members, while three military personnel were on the helicopter. A full-scale rescue operation has been initiated since the incident.
Approximately an hour after the collision was initially reported, Sellers shared a screenshot of a press release from The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that announced a hiring freeze for air traffic controllers, implemented by Trump.
The article also featured a remark from the committee’s ranking member Rick Larsen, emphasizing the severe implications the freeze could have on aviation safety.
“8 days ago,” Sellers captioned his post, which he swiftly deleted.
“I removed the post because timing is important,” Sellers wrote in response to the criticism. “At this moment, politics is not. I messed up, and I take responsibility for that. I am deeply prayerful, yet also frustrated, upset, and troubled by our nation’s current state. I acknowledge this and aim to improve.”
“The focus should solely be on saving survivors and ensuring that such incidents never occur again,” he added.
