A plane flying through restricted airspace over Cincinnati was intercepted by fighter jets while President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Northern Kentuckythis weekend, U.S. military officials said.
A NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted a general aviation aircraft over Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 17 at approximately 3 p.m. CST, according to a press releasefrom the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area.
CBS reports that the incident occurred while Trump spoke at a rally at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. The military did not disclose why the temporary flight restriction was in place. However, CBS writes that the Federal Aviation Administration issues such restrictions
around high-profile events, particularly those attended by politicians.
NORAD said pilots who violate temporary flight restrictions may "be met by federal authorities upon landing and subject to interview or further enforcement action."
After the Cincinnati interception, Air Force officials reminded pilots to check airspace restrictions while planning flights and before taking off. The FAA provides pilots with information about airspace limitations through Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, which are regularly released and updated, according to CBS News.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fighter jets intercepted plane over Cincinnati during Trump NKY rally
