Fighter jets intercepted a civilian plane after it entered restricted airspace over Clemson, South Carolina, while Donald Trump was holding a campaign rally at the nearby university.
F-16s were deployed shortly after 5.30pm Eastern Time to intercept the general aviation aircraft, which had violated a temporary flight restriction, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said.
The plane was monitored by the military aircraft until it landed safely at a nearby airfield. NORAD said pilots who breach such restrictions “may also be met by federal authorities upon landing and be subject to enforcement action”.
Temporary flight restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for reasons including extreme weather and large sporting, entertainment or political events. They are commonly imposed over areas visited by high-profile figures, particularly the president.
Mr Trump had appeared at Clemson’s T Ed Garrison Arena to campaign for Darline Graham, the Republican Senate nominee and sister of the late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham. She assumed his role after a special election and is seeking a full term, facing Democratic challenger Annie Andrews.
The incident was the latest in a series of interceptions involving civilian aircraft near Mr Trump’s political events. NORAD said its F-16s had intercepted an aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Cincinnati, Ohio, while he was speaking at a rally over the weekend.
Similar incidents were reported in September, when Mr Trump visited Chicago, and in August, when he attended a teenage athletic tournament in Geneva, Ohio.
Air Force officials have reminded pilots to check temporary flight restrictions when planning routes and before take-off. The FAA communicates the restrictions through Notices to Airmen, known as NOTAMs.
