'Dangerous scapegoating': MAGA lawmaker slammed for 'shameful' response to DC crash
On Thursday morning, January 30, cable news was dominated by coverage of a crash between a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people. The crash occurred near Washington, DC, and recovery teams have been searching the Potomac River for possible survivors. But according to the New York, officials are saying they believe that no one survived the collision.
Far-right Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tennessee) discussed the tragedy that morning during an appearance on Fox Business. And Ogles implied that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) might somehow be to blame.
Ogles told Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo, "Human error—was it some sort of equipment failure? Did DEI play a role in this type of thing?"
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Ogles' comment is drawing a lot of criticism on X, formerly Twitter.
Jeanne Massey of FairVote Minnesota attacked Ogles' DEI remark as, "reprehensibly racist and dangerous scapegoating."
Democratic activist Ron Smith tweeted, "Well, that didn't take long before they blame DEI."
X user Conrad Stein wrote, "Absolutely shameful from Ogles. But these people have no shame, so I guess it's no surprise."
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Attorney Paul Feinstein sarcastically posted, "Well at least he isn't jumping to conclusions without facts."
X user Monique Larue tweeted, "What would they blame if there was no DEI?"
X user Tony VanDongen humorously wrote, "Yes. It was a BLACK hawk helicopter."
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