At least three general aviation aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions near Bedminster, New Jersey, on Sunday while President Donald Trump was at his golf club for the LIV Golf New York tournament, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
NORAD said F-16 fighter jets intercepted two of the aircraft after they entered the restricted airspace. A third aircraft also triggered an alert as Trump was preparing to leave the area but reestablished communications and became compliant before an interception was necessary.
The incidents occurred as additional security measures were in place around Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, where Trump spent the weekend during the LIV Golf event.
F-16 Intercepts Small Aircraft
Video recorded by a Jefferson Township resident showed an F-16 rapidly approaching what appeared to be a small Cessna aircraft near Jefferson Township, outside Bedminster, PIX11 News reported.
The resident, Joe Afflerbach, could be heard saying, “You better get out of there,” as the military aircraft moved in to intercept the plane.
NORAD said the first two aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted area.
The third aircraft briefly raised another alert as Trump prepared to depart. The incident appeared to delay the president’s departure by about 13 minutes, during which emergency vehicles, law enforcement officers and Secret Service personnel were seen positioning near the runway.
The aircraft eventually reestablished communications and complied with instructions before NORAD intervention was required.
NORAD Reminds Pilots To Check Flight Restrictions
Temporary flight restrictions, or TFRs, are routinely established around presidential movements and other events involving heightened security concerns. Pilots are required to review Notices to Airmen, commonly known as NOTAMs, before flights for current information about restrictions and other flight procedures.
“Check NOTAMs before EVERY flight!” 1st Air Force/Air Forces Northern Command said in a post on X.
NORAD also reminded pilots about procedures to follow if they are intercepted by military aircraft. According to information published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, pilots should switch their radio frequency to 121.5 or 243.0 and reverse course while awaiting further instructions.
Layered Security in Place for Trump Visit
NORAD said its response was part of its routine mission to monitor and protect restricted airspace.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival in New Jersey, NORAD had announced that it would enforce multiple FAA-established temporary flight restrictions in the area. U.S. Army ground-based defense assets could also be deployed as part of the command’s layered defense posture.
“These systems are operating under NORAD authorities, constitute a routine component of the command’s layered defense posture and work in tandem with the command’s airborne assets to monitor and protect the airspace,” the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service said, per Fox News.
NORAD routinely uses radar, satellites, fighter aircraft and other capabilities to monitor North American airspace and respond to potential threats.
The temporary restrictions were in effect while Trump attended the LIV Golf New York tournament at his Bedminster club.
Provided by Dallas Express
