The White House reacted cautiously Thursday to reports that terrorism is the likeliest cause of the downing of an EgyptAir passenger flight en route to Cairo.
“It’s too early to say what potential factors may have contributed to this incident,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “We’re still quite early in this investigation. Investigators will examine all of the potential factors that may have contributed to this tragedy.”
President Obama has received “multiple updates” from national-security advisers about EgyptAir Flight 804, which went down with 66 passengers and crew on a flight from Paris. The U.S. Navy is deploying a P-3 Orion aircraft to aid in the search for the plane.
The White House said Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security officials have provided help to the French in general with expanded screening of luggage at airports and other airport security measures.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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