(NewsNation) — Multiple planes flying near Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s Florida residence in Palm Beach, were intercepted by F-16 fighter jets over the weekend, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said.
On Saturday, three civilian planes violated the same temporary flight restriction, according to NORAD. The first violation was at 11:05 a.m. ET, the second at 12:10 p.m. and the third at 12:50 p.m.
“All three aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft,” NORAD said in a statement.
As two of the aircraft were being intercepted, NORAD said, flares were dispensed to communicate with the pilot. These may have been seen by the public, NORAD added.
“Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground,” NORAD said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, civilian aircraft are not allowed to operate in areas traveled to by the president or vice president. Trump, in the first couple months of his second term, has made frequent trips to Mar-a-Lago.
NORAD commander Gen. Gregory Guillot said on X that adhering to flight restrictions is “essential to ensure flight safety, national security” and the president’s safety as well.
“The procedures are not optional,” Guillot said.
