Tammy Duckworth expresses support for crew after US jet downed over Iran: 'My heart goes out'

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS: Sen. Tammy Duckworth issued a statement on Friday, April 3, following reports that a US F-15E fighter jet was downed over Iran. Her remarks come as the conflict in the region continues to expand.

The US and Israel launched joint strikes on February 28, targeting Iran’s political and military establishment after negotiations over its nuclear program failed. Iran has repeatedly targeted US military assets, along with civilian and strategic infrastructure in neighboring countries since the conflict began.

Tammy Duckworth reacts to downed jet and rescued crew member

As someone shot down behind enemy lines, Duckworth said on X, “My heart goes out to the crew members and their loved ones who are waiting for answers. It's a relief one servicemember has been found and rescued, and I'm grateful for those risking their lives to look for the one who remains missing.”

In a previous post criticizing President Donald Trump’s actions in Iran, she wrote, “Trump was warned this would happen. He did it anyway. Now, over 10,000 veterans lost their homes. 90,000 more are on track for foreclosure.” She concluded, “On top of cutting jobs, slashing benefits and throwing our heroes into an unnecessary war. The most anti-Veteran President in history."

She has previously clashed with the Trump administration over the use of military force in operations against Venezuela. A dispute escalated when Vice President JD Vance mocked her questioning during a Senate hearing, comparing her to the fictional character 'Forrest Gump.' Duckworth dismissed the remarks as “petty insults,” countering that such attacks would not deflect from her role in holding officials accountable. She also referenced Trump’s Vietnam War draft deferments in her response.

Duckworth, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, lost both her legs in 2004 when a rocket-propelled grenade struck her Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq. Despite her injuries, she continued serving for another decade before entering public office.

Trump, Iran escalation, and military capability

The downing of the F-15E occurred less than 48 hours after Trump declared that the US military had “completely decimated” Iran. The incident triggered a high-risk rescue operation deep within Iranian territory. During the mission, Iran struck two Black Hawk helicopters and an A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft assisting in recovery efforts.

One servicemember was rescued, while the search for another continued. Despite earlier assertions by Trump that Iran lacked functional air defense systems, US officials indicated that roughly half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers remain operational, along with thousands of drones and underground missile stockpiles.

Iran has also retained the capability to target maritime routes, including ships in key waterways. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier stated that US and Israeli forces had achieved air dominance over Iran. However, subsequent developments contradicted these claims, as Iran launched at least 50 ballistic missiles and over 150 drones targeting US and allied positions across the Middle East.

Iranian state media reported a monetary reward of $60,000 for locating the downed American pilots. Meanwhile, the conflict, now in its fifth week, has expanded geographically, including strikes on energy infrastructure in Kuwait and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Amid these developments, former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called for an end to hostilities, warning that prolonged fighting would result in further loss of life without resolving the ongoing stalemate.