BRIDGEWATER, New Jersey — North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two general aviation aircraft on Sunday after they violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, New Jersey, while President Donald Trump attended a golf tournament at his club there, NORAD said.
F-16 fighter jets intercepted the aircraft and safely escorted both out of the restricted airspace, according to NORAD. The command did not say whether the pilots had entered the area by mistake, saying that determination would be made by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Temporary flight restrictions were in effect around Bedminster as Trump attended the LIV Golf event at his golf club. The restrictions are part of security measures used when the president is at the New Jersey property.
NORAD said pilots are responsible for checking with the FAA for current temporary flight restrictions. The command did not report any injuries or damage resulting from Sunday's interceptions.
The incidents came as authorities maintained heightened airspace security in the New York and New Jersey region. NORAD has previously reported repeated violations of temporary flight restrictions in the area.
In July, NORAD said more than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. Three of those aircraft required military interception. NORAD said its fighters used flares during two of the intercepts to attract the pilots' attention and safely escorted all of the aircraft from the restricted areas.
NORAD has urged general aviation pilots who are intercepted to immediately establish contact on designated emergency frequencies and reverse course until receiving further instructions.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday's incidents, according to Reuters. Trump was scheduled to return to Washington from Bedminster later Sunday after attending the golf event.
