Helicopters consistently use the river in DC its more common to see helicopters than planes there. This isnt some new or out of the ordinary thing. Its actually Helicopter Route 4. The route though has a maximum flight roof of 200 ft and this one was flying at roughly 300. Was it to high yes but the route is still common hell they fly the President and VP on the same route.

Video shows air traffic trying to get PAT25's attention but it was to late. DEI doesn't have anything to do with the sad truth that we do not have anywhere near enough air traffic control personal. The US only has 2 schools and so unless they air traffic people are coming from the military it takes almost a decade for them to be fully certified. It is going to come out how this person was either A watching multiple aircraft and trying to coordinate it all or B was working hella overtime and was well rested. Honestly it could be both.

There is no conspiracy this isnt DEI's fault this is a tragic reminder of a huge issue the US has. We need more people and we do not have them.