State and local leaders express thoughts and prayers after plane, helicopter crash into Potomac River

ARLINGTON, Va. (WRIC) -- State and local leaders are expressing thoughts and prayers following the collision of an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter Wednesday night, which caused both to crash into the Potomac River. DC Fire and EMS and the Metropolitan Police Department reportedly received multiple calls about the crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) just before 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, preliminarily, investigators believe that the plane was approaching DCA’s runways when it collided with the helicopter. The plane departed from a Kansas airport and was carrying 60 passengers and four crews members, according to American Airlines. The helicopter, which had three military members on board, is an Army UH-60 Black Hawk based out of Fort Belvoir, according to reporting by DC News Now. The number of deaths has not yet confirmed. Authorities said there are not believed to be any survivors. In the aftermath, many local and state leaders are sharing their thoughts and prayers to those affected. 8News compiled multiple responses below: I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders. Emergency personnel from across the region continue their recovery efforts this morning. We are lifting-up in prayer the families of the passengers and crews. The NTSB is leading the investigation with our full cooperation and support. Governor Glenn Youngkin I'm closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and my office is in touch with officials as the response effort begins. My thoughts are with all victims and first responders as they address this concerning and tragic incident. U.S. Senator Mark Warner I'm closely monitoring reports of a collision above DCA tonight. As we await more information, I'm praying for all involved and appreciate the hard work of the first responders at the scene. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine I’m monitoring the situation out of DCA and praying for those involved and all their families. This is the kind of situation we all fear every time we board a plane. I’m so grateful for all the first responders dealing with the situation and will continue to monitor tonight. Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Taylor My office is following the breaking and tragic news of a collision at @Reagan_Airport,. We pray for the victims, first rescuers, and all those impacted. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Prayers for our first responders and the crew and passengers on American Airlines flight into Reagan. Attorney General Jason Miyares I am closely monitoring the tragic situation unfolding near DCA. Thank you to the first responders who are on the scene carrying out a search and rescue operation. All of Virginia is praying for the people involved in the crash. Rep. Abigail Spanberger I am following the response to a reported aviation incident at DCA, and am in touch with airport officials as we try to learn more about what happened and why. This is obviously very worrying, but I urge the community to please let first responders do their jobs and save lives. Rep. Don Beyer My prayers are with the families of the passengers of Flight 5342 and the U.S. Army helicopter lost in last night’s collision over DCA. Thank you to the brave first responders who have worked tirelessly throughout the night. My team and I will continue to monitor this situation. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan