F-16s dispatched, flares used to intercept aircraft near Mar-a-Lago

On Saturday, U.S. military aircraft intercepted a civilian plane that entered temporarily restricted airspace over Palm Beach, Florida, the location of former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The incident occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. EST. NORAD dispatched F-16 fighter jets to intercept the plane. The jets first deployed flares to capture the pilot's attention, then escorted the aircraft out of the restricted airspace.

"The flares, which may have been visible to the public, are used with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground," NORAD stated.

NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canadian organization responsible for aerospace and maritime warning across North America, reminded pilots to review Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) before every flight. NOTAMs provide timely advisories, including temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), which prevent aircraft from entering certain areas for specified times.

The command emphasized that military jets will respond to violations of TFRs to ensure compliance, a situation pilots are encouraged to avoid. The Saturday interception followed several earlier incursions by general aviation aircraft into Palm Beach restricted airspace during the same week.

SINCE President Trump assumed office for his second term in January, NORAD reported responding to over 40 "tracks of interest" violating temporary flight restrictions in the West Palm Beach area. A "track of interest" refers to any airborne object that may pose a threat to North America or U.S. national security and is closely monitored by authorities.

Historically, military aircraft have been scrambled in the area: in early March, 20 civilian aircraft were intercepted near Mar-a-Lago for violating TFRs. During Trump's first term in 2017, F-15 fighter jets responded to an unresponsive aircraft near the estate, generating a sonic boom that alarmed residents.

Trump was at Mar-a-Lago over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and his nearby golf club is located in West Palm Beach.

Author: Sophia Brooks