F-16 jets just intercepted an authorized aircraft flying over President Trump's rally in Arizona.
The airplane was not responding to any calls.
It was a restricted area because of President Trump's visit and planned outdoor rally.
So the F-16 jets intercepted the plane to prevent any potential danger to the president.
The interception happened above the rally in Arizona as Trump was speaking.
The president himself pointed to the sky in surprise.
As the fighter jets flew over the crowd to protect them, they started chanting "USA! USA! USA!"
See the incredible moment it happened below:
Fortunately, nothing further happened and everyone was kept safe.
Local ABC 15 News confirms:
An F-16 fighter jet intercepted a plane that was flying in a restricted area during President Trump's rally in Bullhead City Wednesday afternoon.
North American Aerospace Defense Command officials say the plane was intercepted around 2 p.m. after officials noticed it had entered the Temporary Flight Restriction area surrounding Bullhead City.
Officials say the violating aircraft did not respond to initial intercept procedures, but established radio communications after NORAD aircraft deployed signal flares.
Authorities say the aircraft was escorted out of the restricted area by the F-16 without further incident.
It is still unclear who was flying the aircraft or why they were in the area.
The aircraft left the scene with the F-16s without any further incident.
The Las Vegas Review Journal has more details on how interceptions work to keep crowds safe:
An Air Force fighter jet set off warning flares above President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, when an unauthorized aircraft flew over the town Wednesday, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The agency said in a tweet that around 2 p.m. it sent an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon after a civilian “aircraft that was not in communication with ATC and entered the Temporary Flight Restriction area surrounding Bullhead City, AZ without proper clearance.”
“The violating aircraft was non-responsive to initial intercept procedures, but established radio communications after NORAD aircraft deployed signal flares,” the tweet said. “The aircraft was escorted out of the restricted area by the NORAD aircraft without further incident.”
According to an article from military.com, “Flares are often used as a countermeasure against heat-seeking missiles targeting an aircraft, but can also be used to get the attention of a pilot not communicating with air traffic control. They are not considered munitions.”
We continue to thank law enforcement and our military for keeping our president and country safe!
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