Update: After addressing the attack in Charlottesville during a press conference earlier in the day, President Trump has tweeted his sympathies to the families and colleagues of the two state police officers killed in this afternoon’s crash: “Deepest condolences to the families & fellow officers of the VA State Police who died today. You’re all among the best this nation produces.”
Deepest condolences to the families & fellow officers of the VA State Police who died today. You’re all among the best this nation produces.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2017
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Update: Virginia State Police have confirmed that two people are dead after a helicopter crashed after a helicopter crashed seven miles southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia, Saturday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board and Virginia State Police are investigating the crash.
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As we detailed earlier, in the latest development coming out of Charlottesville Va., where an as-yet-unnamed assailant rammed a car into a crowd of counter-protesters killing one and injuring 19 others, local media is reporting that a police helicopter has crashed into a wooded area not far from where the “Unite the Right” rally was being held.
Report: Helicopter crashes near golf course in Charlottesvillehttps://t.co/FVfpls2sDk pic.twitter.com/RuqZLIUY7g
— ABC13News (@ABC13News) August 12, 2017
The crash happened around 5 p.m. ET. Video and photos of smoke emanating from the wreckage are just starting to emerge.
Helicopter crash #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/e9rER6yaMT
— Simon Rader (@Simon_Rader) August 12, 2017
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A local ABC News affiliate has released audio of the emergency dispatch reporting the helicopter crash…
JUST IN: Initial emergency dispatch audio of reported Virginia State Police helicopter crash in #charlotesville. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/39zKMyFt14
— Kevin Lewis (@ABC7Kevin) August 12, 2017
MORE SCANNER AUDIO: “ACPD on scene advising it is fully involved, unknown if any souls are still onboard.” #Charlottesviille @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/rtJ0EuFTXn
— Kevin Lewis (@ABC7Kevin) August 12, 2017
Check back for updates.…