Intercept Jets Near Trump at World Cup

NORAD intercepted multiple civilian aircraft near President Donald Trump’s security area during the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, following temporary flight restrictions. The command said more than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford on Sunday. Three aircraft required intercepts by F-16s, and during two of the incidents the fighters deployed flares to draw the pilots’ attention; NORAD said the flares burned out quickly, posed no risk to people on the ground, and may have been visible to residents. All aircraft were safely escorted out without incident. The temporary flight restrictions were tied to security operations for Trump’s attendance at the match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also attended. NORAD commander Gen. Gregory Guillot said the repeated violations underscore pilots reviewing TFRs and NOTAMs before departure.