Coast Guard rejects Schumer's claim that DOGE contributed to fatal Brooklyn Bridge crash

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recommended that the Department of Federal government Performance might be at least instrumental for a Mexican navy high ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night.

Schumer made the claim in a news release on Sunday, stating he had actually been informed on the information of the fatal crash, which left 2 individuals dead and over a lots more hurt. Schumer argued that a U.S. Coast Guard system might have been running at partial capability due to a DOGE employing freeze at the Department of Homeland Security, however the Coast Guard itself states the system was “totally practical throughout the occurrence.”

” We understand that the Trump administration has actually been meddling in U.S. Coast Guard operations, from staffing to command and comms, and I have the basic sense of a DOGE dysfunction in parts of the Coast Guard, to put it slightly,” Schumer composed in a declaration. “After being totally informed on last night’s Brooklyn Bridge mishap, something is really clear. There are much more concerns than responses regarding how the mishap took place and whether it might have been avoided.”

Schumer went on to indicate the DOGE-implemented hiring freeze at the U.S. Coast Guard, arguing it might have hampered the Coast Guard’s Automobile Traffic System (VTS), which operates in a comparable style to the air traffic control service system.

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” There are indicators that this service called the VTS might not have actually been totally or properly practical because of that employing freeze. We do not understand the response to that concern. We require responses. If this held true, Brooklyn Bridge mishap might be a nationwide precursor, requiring instant attention,” Schumer stated.

” The existing hiring freeze at the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, which the Coast Guard belongs to, might have restricted the capability of the Coast Guard to totally staff up at the VTS, the automobile traffic service, the shore-wide system that supplies quote air traffic control service for the seas, particularly in busy locations and limited waters like New York Harbor,” he included.

The Coast Guard declined Schumer’s claim in a declaration of its own. In addition, there were no other ships associated with Saturday’s crash that would have included the VTS.

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The Coast Guard stated VTS was “totally practical throughout the occurrence and operating in accordance with recognized treatments to handle business traffic and assist in safe navigation,” according to CBS News.

” Our reaction consisted of releasing a team from Station New york city, developing a short-lived security zone, and collaborating with NYPD, FDNY, and NEW YORK CITY DOT,” they included.

The Coast Guard did not right away react to an ask for remark from Fox News Digital.

A Mexican Navy high ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday. ( @TheWillieNelson/ X)

The National Transport Security Board (NTSB) revealed Sunday it was releasing a “go-team” to the Brooklyn Bridge the crash.

New York City City Mayor Eric Adams, stated the Mexican navy high ship Cuauhtémoc “lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.”

” At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 continual injuries, 2 of which stay in crucial condition, and 2 more have actually unfortunately died from their injuries,” the mayor composed on X.

The Mexican Navy cruising ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge sits moored in lower Manhattan on Might 18, 2025 in New York City City. The ship, the Cuauhtémoc, which snapped all 3 of its masts as it hit the New york city City landmark bridge, eliminated a minimum of 2 individuals and hurt 19 others. ( Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated she was sorry for the death of 2 team members who “lost their lives in the regrettable mishap at the port of New york city.”

” Our uniformity and assistance head out to their households,” she composed at 1:15 a.m. on X. “The Secretariat of the Navy, with the assistance of regional authorities, is addressing the hurt. The Ambassador of Mexico to the United States and personnel from the Consulate General of Mexico in New york city are helping the Secretariat of the Navy.”

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace and Greg Wehner added to this report