Military Jets Intercept Aircraft Over Restricted Airspace During Trump Rally

F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) have intercepted an aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Clemson, South Carolina, where President Donald Trump was scheduled to hold a rally.

The event kicked off at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with Trump expected to speak around 7:10 p.m. at the T. Ed Garrison Arena, showing support for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham. NORAD confirmed that its jets were deployed at approximately 5:39 p.m. to intercept the general aviation plane, which had breached a temporary flight restriction (TFR) set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA typically issues these flight restrictions for various reasons, such as severe weather, large events, or visits from notable figures, particularly the president.

The military closely monitored the aircraft until it safely landed at a nearby airfield, according to a press release from NORAD.

“Pilots who violate TFR airspace may also be met by federal authorities upon landing and subject to enforcement action,” NORAD warned.

They noted that pilots of intercepted planes should switch to frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 and change course while waiting for further instructions from authorities.

This incident is not unique; military jets have previously had to scramble to ensure the president’s security. For instance, on Saturday, F-16s were also dispatched to intercept a plane that entered temporary restricted airspace over Cincinnati, Ohio, during another rally where Trump was speaking nearby at Northern Kentucky University.