US scrambles aircraft in response to a violation of restricted area near Biden's Delaware home

NORAD also issued a statement after its fighter jet and helicopter had scrambled in response to the unauthorized aircraft. 

Published: October 29, 2023 12:35pm

The U.S. scrambled its aircraft after a civilian aircraft entered restricted airspace near President Joe Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware, Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi said. 

The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday, and out of "precaution, assets were scrambled to intercept and the civilian aircraft safely landed at a nearby airport," Guglielmi said Saturday.

The Federal Aviation Administration as well as the Secret Service are investigating the incident, which Guglielmi said did not impact the president's movements.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) issued a statement after its fighter jet and helicopter had scrambled in response to the unauthorized aircraft. 

"During this event, the intercepting aircraft dispensed flares that may have been visible to the public in an attempt to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot. Flares were employed with highest regard for safety of intercepted aircraft and people on the ground, they burn out quickly and completely and there is no danger to people on the ground when dispensed," NORAD said

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