FACT CHECK: Facebook Post Falsely Claims Obama Was On Black Hawk Helicopter That Crashed

A post shared on Facebook claims former President Barack Obama was on a Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C. recently.

Verdict: False

Obama shared a statement on X that offered his condolences to the victims of the crash, which proves he wasn’t on the flight.

Fact Check:

The Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight was on an “annual proficiency training flight,” according to USA Today, which cited a recent statement from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The crash killed all the passengers aboard both aircraft, NBC News reported.

The Facebook post claims Obama was on a Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C., recently.

“UNCONFIRMED::: RUMORS ARE CIRCULATING THAT THE VIP ON THE BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER THAT CRASHED WAS BARACK OBAMA,” the post, which does not provide a source to support its claim, reads. The post also features a photo of Obama.

The claim is false. According to Fox News, three soldiers were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter when it collided with the American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The outlet did not mention anything about Obama being aboard either aircraft.

Likewise, Check Your Fact found no other credible news reports to support the claim. If Obama was aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, as the claim suggests, then multiple media outlets would’ve covered it, yet none have. Actually, the opposite is true. On Jan. 30, Snopes debunked the claim.

In addition, Check Your Fact did not find the claim referenced on Obama’s website or his verified social media accounts. Obama did, however, issue a statement offering his condolences to the victims of the crash on his verified X account, @BarackObama, which proves he wasn’t on the flight.

“Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA. Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and we’re grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under extremely difficult circumstances,” he wrote. (RELATED: Did The Fraternal Order Of Police Rescind Their Endorsement Of Trump Following Jan. 6 Pardons?)

Check Your Fact has contacted Obama’s office for comment.