President Trump Praises Southwest Crew, Passengers For 'Tremendous Bravery'
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) — President Donald Trump met with crew members and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia when its engine failed month.
Trump welcomed pilot Captain Tammie Jo Shults, First Officer Darren Ellisor and others to the White House on Tuesday. Shults has been praised for her "nerves of steel" landing the crippled plane and preventing further tragedy.
"Captain Shults I especially want to commend you for your lifesaving actions. Everybody's talking about it, they're still talking about it, they'll be talking about it for a long time," the president said. "I understand you were one of the first women ever to fly tactical aircraft in the United States Navy. You drew from years of training in safety and you knew how to land that plane.
"We salute you and every member of this crew. Thank you very much."
More: 'She Has Nerves Of Steel:' Pilot Who Landed Crippled Southwest Flight Hailed As A Hero
The Boeing 737 was traveling from New York to Dallas with 149 people on board when shrapnel from the engine smashed a window and damaged the fuselage. Passenger Jennifer Riordan, a mother and bank executive from New Mexico, was partially sucked out the shattered window and later died of her injuries.
"Our hearts break for the family of the passenger who tragically lost her life, Jennifer Riordan. We send our prayers to Jennifer's husband and their two beautiful young children. We ask God to hold this family close as they grieve the loss of a loving wife and mother," the president said. "I've seen so much about Jennifer and she looks – she must have been a fantastic woman, really a fantastic woman."
More: Husband Of Southwest Airlines Victim: 'We Ended With I Love You, Safe Travels'
Of the fellow passengers who risked their own safety to save Riordan, Trump said, "These Americans responded with tremendous bravery."
"The actions of the crew and passengers of Southwest Flight 1380 show the great character of our nation," he concluded.
As the event came to a close, Trump said it was "very nice" of South Korean President Moon Jae-In to suggest he should win the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts toward peace in the Korean Peninsula. He also said details on the location and date for the U.S.-North Korea summit will be announced in the next "couple of days."
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
