Authorities have arrested two airport employees in connection with the leak of a video showing a tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. The crash, which occurred recently, resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals, marking it as the deadliest air disaster in over two decades. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
The arrested individuals, Jonathan Savoy, 45, from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, from Rockville, Maryland, face charges of computer trespass. Savoy was taken into custody on Sunday, while Mbengue was arrested on Friday. Both individuals have been linked to the unauthorized distribution of the viral footage that captures the moment an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Following their arrests, Savoy was released on a summons by a magistrate assigned to the case. In contrast, Mbengue was booked into the Arlington County Adult Detention Center but was subsequently released on his own recognizance. As of Tuesday, a court clerk informed USA TODAY that there was no attorney of record listed for Mbengue. He has until May 2 to prove that he has secured legal representation.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has not disclosed specific details about how the footage was obtained or shared. This lack of information raises concerns about security protocols at one of the nation's busiest airports. The viral video has sparked widespread interest and outrage, further complicating the already sensitive nature of the investigation.
The NTSB's investigation into the crash continues as officials work diligently to recover the cockpit from the Potomac River. As they sift through evidence, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to this catastrophic event and ensuring accountability for those involved in leaking sensitive materials.
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