At a Detroit press conference this afternoon, Vice President Joe Biden affirmed speculation that Malaysia Airlines flight 17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was apparently shot down by a surface-to-air missile.
"I say 'apparently' because we don't actually have all the details. I want to be sure of what I say. Apparently, have been shot down. Shot down, not an accident. Blown out of the sky."
Russian President Vladimir Putin placed the blame for the crash on Ukraine.
"Without question, the state over whose territory this happened bears the responsibility for the terrible tragedy. This tragedy would not have happened had there been peace in this land, if hostilities had not resumed in the southeast of Ukraine."
Speaking from Delaware earlier this afternoon, President Obama told his audience:
"Right now, we're working to determine whether there were American citizens on board. It is our first priority."
"And I've directed our national security team to stay in close contact with the Ukrainian government. The United States will offer any assistance we can to help determine what happened and why, and as a country, our thoughts and prayers are with all the countries and passengers – wherever they call home."
Ukraine has also released audio this evening of what is allegedly pro-Russian separatists, admitting to shooting down the plane.
Flight Club will continue to provide updates as more about this story becomes known.
All photos via Getty Images