Biden mourns loss of National Guardsmen killed in Mississippi crash

President Biden commemorated the National Guard for their commitment to service, after two guardsmen were killed in a helicopter crash Friday.

“Jill and I mourn the loss of two Mississippi National Guardsmen, whose aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Booneville, Mississippi yesterday,” Biden said in a statement. “Our prayers are with their families, units, and the entire Mississippi National Guard at this incredibly difficult time.”

“These two Guardsmen embodied the very best of our nation—bound by honor, and committed to service,” he added. “We will continue to keep our solemn promise to care for their families, just as they were faithful to our nation.”

His comments come after two Mississippi National Guardsmen crashed their two-seat AH 64 Apache helicopter during a training flight in rural Prentiss County around 2 p.m. Friday.

“Tragically, both Guardsmen on board did not survive,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Safety crews are currently working the scene of the crash with local authorities.”

“Mississippi will always be grateful for their service and we will never forget them,” Reeves added.

The news marks the third major military helicopter incident in the past month. Earlier this month, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter carrying five Marines crashed during a storm, which killed all on board. Another AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near Salt Lake City last week, but the pilots survived.

Biden also took time Saturday to commend law enforcement and first responders.

“I am grateful to the local law enforcement and first responders, who quickly supported recovery efforts after this tragic accident,” Biden wrote. “As the Department of Defense and National Guard continue to assess what occurred, we stand ready to provide any assistance needed.”