Biden sends condolences for National Guardsmen, patrol agent killed in Texas helicopter crash

President Biden sent his condolences for National Guardsmen and a Border Patrol agent who died in a recent helicopter crash Saturday.

“These brave Americans dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” Biden said in a statement. “They signed up knowing the risks and believing in the mission of serving their fellow Americans by keeping our nation safe. Our gratitude is profound, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, as well as their colleagues in the National Guard and U.S. Border Patrol,” Biden continued.

On Friday, a helicopter that was flying over the southern border in Texas crashed. The crash resulted in the deaths of two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent, the military said, according to The Associated Press. An additional soldier on board was injured.

“We pray for the injured Guardsman’s swift recovery,” Biden said in the Saturday statement.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he and the “National Guard family, send our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends & colleagues of the two Army National Guard Soldiers and the U.S. Border Patrol officer killed in today's helicopter crash in Texas.”

“We mourn these heartbreaking deaths. They are a tragic loss beyond words. We pray for the speedy recovery of a third Guard Soldier who was seriously injured. All of these people represent selfless service & the best of America,” Hokanson continued.