Fighter jets intercept civilian plane in Palm Beach, amid rumors
KOMO • • nation
Key Points:
- F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a civilian aircraft that breached the restricted Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone around Mar-a-Lago on Sunday afternoon.
- The incident sparked social media rumors of a drone near Palm Beach airport, but officials clarified the security concern was due to the unresponsive civilian plane, not a drone.
- Signal flares were deployed by the F-16s to gain the pilot's attention, a standard safety procedure, before safely escorting the aircraft out of the restricted airspace.
- President Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf club during the event and was not in any danger; Air Force One remained secure on the tarmac throughout the incident.
- The TFR zone around Mar-a-Lago has been in place 24/7 since October to enhance presidential security.
