Washington, D.C. – A transgender National Guard pilot has spoken out after being falsely accused on social media of piloting the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the catastrophic midair collision with a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The crash claimed 67 lives and has since become the subject of misinformation campaigns across various online platforms.

Jo Ellis, a highly trained UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the Virginia Army National Guard, was wrongfully named in viral posts that quickly spread across social media, alleging she was responsible for the tragic incident. In a Facebook post on Friday, Ellis denounced the false claims, calling them harmful and disrespectful to the victims and their families.

False Accusations Spread on Social Media

The misinformation originated from unverified social media accounts, including far-right influencers and conspiracy theorists, who falsely claimed that Ellis’ gender identity played a role in the crash. Screenshots circulating on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that Ellis had been the pilot at the time of the collision, despite no official confirmation from military authorities.

“Some craziness has happened on the internet, and I’m being named as one of the pilots of the D.C. crash,” Ellis wrote in a public post. “It’s insulting to the victims and families of those lost, and they deserve better than this BS from the bots and trolls of the internet.”

Ellis attached screenshots of tweets and posts that falsely identified her as one of the pilots. One post read, “Wouldn’t be surprised if the pilot was trans,” while another falsely claimed she had made “radicalized anti-Trump statements” on social media. The latter post was later deleted, and the account issued an apology, but not before the claim had been widely shared.

Despite numerous attempts to correct the false allegations, Ellis’ name trended on X, accumulating over 19,400 mentions within hours. In response, Ellis posted a video titled Proof of Life, confirming that she was not involved in the crash and was nowhere near the flight operations that night. However, this did little to stop the spread of misinformation.

Trump’s Remarks Further Fuel Controversy

Adding to the firestorm, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the crash during a speech on Thursday, blaming what he called “woke military policies” for the tragedy. Without evidence, Trump suggested that diversity and inclusion initiatives within the military might have compromised safety.

“They’re more focused on hiring based on identity than on ability,” Trump said. “And now, look what’s happened. This is a disgrace.”

Critics quickly condemned Trump’s remarks as irresponsible, arguing that they fueled baseless conspiracy theories instead of focusing on the victims and the investigation.

Military and Aviation Experts Debunk Claims

The Virginia Army National Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have not commented on the allegations against Ellis, as their focus remains on the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. However, aviation experts and military personnel have come forward to denounce the misinformation campaign and clarify that there is no evidence linking Ellis to the incident.

“This is not only false but dangerous,” said Lt. Col. Richard Hammond, a military aviation analyst. “Spreading misinformation like this undermines trust in official investigations and disrespects those who lost their lives.”

Details of the Crash Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are conducting a thorough investigation into the midair collision between the American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, and the U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Preliminary reports suggest that the Black Hawk was on a routine training flight when it crossed paths with the descending commercial jet over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Authorities are analyzing air traffic control communications, radar data, and flight records to determine the cause of the collision. Investigators are also examining whether air traffic control errors or mechanical failures played a role in the tragic accident.

Support for Jo Ellis and the Trans Community

Following the wave of false accusations, numerous advocacy groups and individuals have come out in support of Jo Ellis. Organizations such as the Modern Military Association of America and GLAAD have condemned the spread of misinformation and urged social media platforms to take stronger action against the viral dissemination of false narratives.

“Jo Ellis is a dedicated pilot who has served her country honorably,” said Jennifer Dane, executive director of the Modern Military Association of America. “She should not have to endure this level of harassment simply because of her identity. We stand with her and call for accountability from those who spread lies about her involvement.”

Many supporters took to social media to defend Ellis and highlight the dangers of spreading baseless conspiracy theories. The hashtag #StandWithJo trended on X as users called for greater responsibility in reporting and sharing information online.

Impact of Misinformation on Military Service Members

The false allegations against Ellis highlight a growing concern about the weaponization of misinformation against LGBTQ+ service members. Experts warn that these targeted attacks could have broader implications for military readiness and morale.

“This kind of misinformation not only puts individuals at risk but also damages the integrity of our armed forces,” said Dr. Samantha Carter, a researcher specializing in cybersecurity and military affairs. “When service members are falsely accused based on their identity rather than evidence, it creates division and distracts from real issues.”

The situation has also reignited discussions on the role of social media companies in curbing the spread of false information. Advocacy groups are calling on platforms like X and Facebook to implement stricter policies and faster fact-checking mechanisms to prevent baseless claims from gaining traction.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice for the Victims

As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the deadly midair collision, the families of the 67 victims are calling for accountability and transparency in the official findings. Many have expressed frustration that misinformation and political rhetoric are overshadowing the real tragedy at hand.

“The focus should be on the lives lost and ensuring this never happens again,” said Maria Gonzalez, whose husband was on the flight. “People spreading lies need to understand that this isn’t a game—these are real families grieving real losses.”

Jo Ellis, meanwhile, remains resolute in standing against misinformation. In her latest statement, she emphasized that her priority remains her service in the National Guard and supporting those impacted by the tragedy.

“I just want the truth to be known,” she wrote. “Let’s focus on finding out what really happened and honoring those who lost their lives.”

As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge the public to rely on verified sources and official reports rather than speculation and conspiracy theories. The tragedy in Washington, D.C., remains a solemn reminder of the consequences of misinformation in an era of digital media dominance.