Washington. America's Second Lady Usha Vance suddenly stumbled while landing from a helicopter at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday. At the time, her nine-week-old son, Alec Neal Vance, was strapped to her lap in a baby carrier. Usha immediately controlled herself by holding the railing. It has become a topic of discussion after the video of the incident surfaced on social media.
Missing a step while descending the stairs
In the video, Usha Vance is seen coming down the stairs of the helicopter. They were accompanied by their nine-week-old son, Alec. Near the bottom of the stairs she suddenly lost her footing and appeared to lose her balance for a moment.
Usha immediately caught hold of the railing and controlled herself. After this she looked at her child and proceeded normally. No information has been revealed about Usha Vance or her child being injured in the incident.
Why did the military personnel standing nearby not help?
After the video surfaced, some people on social media raised questions as to why the employees or military personnel present near the helicopter did not step forward to help Usha. In the video, many soldiers are seen around the helicopter.
However, it is not clear from the footage why the military personnel did not intervene. It is also not clear whether they were required to follow any special security or formal protocols at that time.
Did it not proceed due to military protocol?
According to media reports and information related to military protocol, deployed military personnel often stand in a formal salute and 'attention' position when the President, Vice President or a member of their family disembarks from an aircraft or helicopter. In such a situation, the reaction of the military personnel seen in the video is being seen in the context of this protocol.
JD Vance landed later with his daughter
America's Vice President JD Vance also got down from the helicopter after Usha Vance. He was with his four-year-old daughter Mirabel. According to the report, it appeared that he did not see the incident of Usha stumbling.
After this the whole family moved towards the plane by which they had to leave for Anchorage.
7.5 hour journey with newborn baby
The trip was part of J.D. Vance's Alaska tour. He was heading to Alaska to campaign ahead of the midterm elections. There he had to address a rally of the Republican National Committee. The rally was to support Republican Senator Dan Sullivan's re-election effort. Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola.
Before boarding Air Force Two, Vance had told that Usha and some of her children would also travel with him. He had said that this Alaska trip would be Usha's 50th US state visit.
JD Vance also jokingly said that the family was taking their nine-week-old child with them on the approximately 7.5-hour journey. He had said that if he appeared tired or stressed later during the speech, it could be because of the long journey with the newborn child.