Fighter jets intercept civilian plane over Geneva, Ohio
F-16 fighter jets intercepted a civilian plane that violated a temporary flight restriction over Geneva, Ohio, where President Trump attended the 2026 Patriot Games.
On Tuesday evening, two F-16 fighter jets intercepted a civilian aircraft that had violated a temporary flight restriction over Geneva, Ohio, where President Trump was attending a youth athletic event, according to military officials. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that the interception occurred around 6:15 p.m. ET and involved the deployment of flares to draw the pilot's attention.
NORAD emphasized that the flares, which are safe and quickly burn out, are used for safety purposes and do not pose a threat to individuals on the ground. Temporary flight restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and communicated to pilots through Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). The Geneva area restriction was in place as Trump traveled to Ohio on Air Force One for the 2026 Patriot Games, a major sporting event heavily supported by the White House.
Similar interceptions took place over Bedminster, New Jersey, where one of Trump's golf courses is located, with additional F-16s scrambled in response to two general aviation planes violating temporary restrictions. The FAA issues such temporary flight restrictions for various reasons, including proximity to high-profile events involving influential political figures.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
