By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-12 16:11:34 | Updated at 2026-08-12 17:20:58
1 hour ago
U.S. fighter jets dispensed flares as a civilian aircraft flew into temporary restricted airspace in Geneva, Ohio, Tuesday night during President Donald Trump-hosted Patriot Games, officials said.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the general aviation aircraft was intercepted by a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) F-16 fighter aircraft, launching flares that may have been visible from the ground, a statement from NORAD, a mutual defense organization between the U.S. and Canada, said Tuesday. (RELATED: The FAA Turned To Gamers For Air Traffic Control Jobs — Thousands Were Hired)
“The flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot,” NORAD explained. “Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground.”
NORAD F-16 aircraft intercepted a general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Geneva, OH. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft.
Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight… https://t.co/P8ZPekvLju
The aircraft was then escorted out of the area, the statement said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously issued a notice about the temporary flight restrictions, with both NORAD and the FAA encouraging pilots to check the notices before taking off, according to CBS News.
The flight restrictions were put in place for the finale of Freedom 250’s Patriot Games, which features high school athletes from each state and tribal nation celebrating America’s bicentennial by competing in athletic challenges for a share of a $250,000 scholarship prize pool.
Trump was in attendance for the event, which is set to air on ESPN on Thursday.
“This once-in-a-generation event will showcase the extraordinary talents that thrive across our country, proving to the world that the American competitive spirit is stronger and more vibrant than ever before,” Trump said previously about the games.
The games began Sunday and include dodgeball, kickball, tug-of-war, hoops, and a circuit.
NORAD also intercepted two general aviation aircraft on Sunday after they flew over temporary flight restrictions in Bedminster, New Jersey, where one of Trump’s golf courses is located, CBS reported.
