NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, was compelled to dispatch fighter jets on Friday in response to a civilian aircraft encroaching on the temporary restricted airspace over Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
This area is currently hosting President Biden, who has been vacationing on the California side of the lake since Tuesday.
In a statement, NORAD confirmed, "Two NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft and a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin responded to a civilian aircraft that violated a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area near Lake Tahoe, Nevada, this morning."
The statement further elaborated that the fighter aircraft deployed flares to attract the pilot's attention, an action taken with utmost consideration for the safety of the intercepted aircraft and individuals on the ground.
The intrusion by the civilian aircraft contravened Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which prohibit aircraft from operating over or near any area being visited by the President, Vice President, or other public figures. The FAA restrictions are clearly outlined in a NOTAM (Notice to Air Mission).
Following NORAD's intervention, the unauthorized aircraft was escorted out of the restricted area without any incident. The White House later confirmed to the press, "The situation was resolved without incident and with no impact to the President."
President Biden and his family are currently residing in an exclusive home on the shores of Lake Tahoe. This comes amidst an ongoing special counsel investigation into his son, Hunter. The White House revealed that the Bidens are renting the $18 million home of environmental activist, businessman, and former Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer at fair market value. The nine-day vacation follows the president's trip to Hawaii to assess the damage from recent devastating wildfires.
Joining the President on this vacation are first lady Jill Biden; daughter Ashley; son Hunter, his wife Melissa Cohen, and their son Beau; along with several other grandchildren.
Login