F-16 fighter jets were scrambled on Sunday after multiple aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions around President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that it successfully escorted two aircraft out of the restricted area after the breach.
The aircraft were described by officials as civilian general aviation planes.
Trump travelled to Bedminster on Friday to spend the weekend at his golf club and was scheduled to remain there through Sunday.
Reason for airspace breach unclear
It remains unclear why the civilian aircraft entered the restricted airspace.
The latest incident is among several airspace violations near Trump that have prompted NORAD fighter jets to intervene during his second term.
In May, F-16 fighter jets deployed flares at Palm Beach International Airport after a private aircraft entered restricted airspace, hours before Trump was due to depart.
There was no immediate indication that Sunday’s incident was malicious.
Security concerns around Trump
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding the US president following a series of security incidents and assassination attempts.
Last week, authorities arrested a 38-year-old California man after a pistol and ammunition were reportedly found in his vehicle at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The man was allegedly seen walking around the golf course, taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security planning activities before Trump was due to arrive in Los Angeles for a fundraising trip.
In April, Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after allegedly opening fire and attempting to enter the venue where Trump and senior administration officials were attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
In September 2024, authorities arrested Ryan Wesley Routh after he allegedly established a sniper position at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was reportedly around 400 yards from Trump, who was then the presidential candidate, before Secret Service agents intervened.
Previous assassination attempt
The latest security incident follows the July 13, 2024 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a bullet narrowly missed Trump during a campaign rally.
US authorities have also investigated alleged Iranian-backed plots targeting Trump.
“Being president is a very dangerous profession,” Trump said last month during an interview with Fox & Friends, marking the second anniversary of the Butler shooting.
Also read: Armed man was monitoring security at Trump’s LA-area golf course
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