Alexandrians are speaking out about the tragic collision of an American Airlines flight and military helicopter Wednesday night over the Potomac River that saw 67 killed after crashing into the freezing water, according to news reports.
Some of those on board are reported to be families from Fairfax and Ashburn, according to news reports.
About 300 first responders from Northern Virginia (including Alexandria), Maryland and DC descended on the area to help recover victims of the crash.
"The City of Alexandria expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport," Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in a statement.
"The City of Alexandria expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This devastating loss is felt by all of us, and we stand together in support of those grieving.
"We commend the swift and professional response of Alexandria's Police and Fire teams, as well as those from neighboring jurisdictions who have been working tirelessly at the crash site. Their dedication and expertise exemplify the best of public service."
(Read more of the mayor's statement below.)
The Alexandria Chamber noted its thoughts as well: "Our hearts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the tragedy at Reagan National Airport last evening and thank you to all the incredible First Responders."
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), an Old Town Alexandria resident, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.), also a resident of Old Town Alexandria, all took part in a morning press briefing held at the airport before it reopened at 11 a.m.
"We're available to serve you any way we possibly can through this period of grief, transition and loss," Beyer said.
"We're deeply grateful for the people who risked their lives last night on a moment's notice and spent the whole night on the river in the ice and the wind to serving us.
"And finally as Sen. Kaine noted," Beyer said, " ...we've got to make sure at the federal level and with the support of Maryland, Virginia and DC, this doesn't happen again."
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins full statement:
"The City of Alexandria expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This devastating loss is felt by all of us, and we stand together in support of those grieving.
We commend the swift and professional response of Alexandria's Police and Fire teams, as well as those from neighboring jurisdictions who have been working tirelessly at the crash site. Their dedication and expertise exemplify the best of public service.
This tragedy highlights the vital importance of collaboration between all levels of government and emergency services. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure a strong, coordinated response.
The City is committed to offering ongoing support and resources to those impacted, both in the immediate aftermath and in the long term. We recognize there are many questions surrounding this tragedy. The City of Alexandria will continue our coordination with federal, state, and local agencies to provide accurate and timely information as it becomes available.
We share in this collective grief throughout the area and across the country. We extend our deepest sympathies and continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers."
Complimentary support sessions
A local Alexandria company, Healthy Minds Therapy, is letting people know they are offering complimentary support: "We stand in solidarity with the entire DMV community as we mourn the tragic loss of life from last night’s devastating accident over the Potomac River. Our hearts go out to the families of the passengers and crew of American Airlines flight 5342, as well as the crew of the Army helicopter based at Davison Army Airfield, who tragically lost their lives in this incident.
As a community, we share in your grief and send our deepest condolences. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders who tirelessly worked throughout the night to support the search and rescue efforts. May the memories of the victims be a source of comfort, and may they rest in peace.
Healthy Minds Therapy is offering complimentary support sessions to family members of the victims, EMS and Fire Personnel (First Responders), those who witnessed the crash or work at DCA, and anyone else in need of support during this difficult time. Please contact us at info@healthymindstherapy.com or call (540) 845-6940 ext. 1.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as we navigate this loss together as a community. We are following suite of our fellow practitioners at Del Ray Psych who started this initiative of offering services and they are available for support as well."