A fighter jet dispatched by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted a civilian aircraft on Saturday after it entered restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, where former President Donald Trump was enjoying the holiday weekend.
The incident occurred just before 2:40 PM ET when the pilot strayed into a temporary flight restriction area, according to a NORAD statement. The aircraft was safely guided out of the restricted zone using a standard maneuver to get the pilot’s attention.
This marked the fourth violation of restricted airspace that day, with NORAD later reporting a total of five unauthorized entries over presidential airspace within a single day. The airspace above Bedminster is tightly controlled whenever Trump is present.
NORAD’s quick response was made possible by its advanced defense system, which includes radar, satellites, and fighter jets designed to protect U.S. and Canadian airspace.
Officials are advising private pilots to be cautious and informed before flying in this area. A reminder was issued via social media for pilots to check NOTAMs—Notice to Airmen—before takeoff, emphasizing the importance of staying within legal boundaries.
The FAA, the Department of Defense, and NORAD have not yet commented on the matter.
