Local News
Exclusive: New video show the mid-air collision in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Newly obtained exclusive video footage has provided previously unseen perspectives of the devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
The footage, captured on cell phones recording security camera replays, offers a detailed look at the final moments before the tragic impact.
In the first video, the Black Hawk helicopter can be seen flying at high speed over the Potomac River, moving from the left side of the frame.
The aircraft’s red flashing lights on its tail and body, along with a green light near its nose, are clearly visible. At the same time, the American Airlines aircraft is seen approaching Reagan National Airport on its final descent.
Within seconds, the two aircraft collide, resulting in a massive explosion. The airliner spins uncontrollably toward the water, ultimately crashing into the river, while the Black Hawk is seen plummeting, its flashing lights still visible before impact.
The second video, which appears to have been recorded from within the airport grounds, provides a clear aerial perspective. It shows the passenger plane approaching Runway 33 from the left side of the frame, while the helicopter hovers above the Potomac on the right.
The footage captures the moment the two aircraft continue on a collision course at low altitude, culminating in a catastrophic fireball.
The explosion is followed by both aircraft plummeting into the river, leaving behind a trail of debris.
Authorities continue to analyze the footage as part of an ongoing federal investigation into the cause of the collision.
The Pentagon, Department of Defense, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched comprehensive inquiries into the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
More details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.