Congress Reacts Cautiously to EgyptAir Crash
But not Donald Trump who blames terror for disappearance of jetliner
By Eric Garcia
Posted May 19, 2016 at 11:58amMembers of Congress reacted cautiously to reports of terrorism being suspected in the crash of an EgyptAir jetliner that disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea en route from Paris to Cairo on Thursday.
EgyptAir reported there were 56 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the Airbus A320.
Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard M. Burr of North Carolina said he was being briefed on the crash, but it was “too early” to comment on what happened.
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he met with the Egyptian ambassador Thursday and while the Egyptian government suspects terrorism, he had no new information beyond that.
Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump wasn’t as cautious, declaring the plane crash an act of terror.
Looks like yet another terrorist attack. Airplane departed from Paris. When will we get tough, smart and vigilant? Great hate and sickness!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2016
President Barack Obama was briefed on the situation and directed administration officials to “reach out to their international counterparts to offer support and assistance,” the White House said in a statement.
The U.S. military is assisting in the search, the White House said.
Flight 804 disappeared from radar over the eastern Mediterranean while flying above 30,000 feet, authorities said.
Egypt’s aviation minister said terrorism was a more likely explanation than a technical failure, according to Reuters.
John T. Bennett contributed to this report.
Contact Garcia at EricGarcia@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia