Overview
- NORAD says an F‑16 intercepted a civilian plane after it entered restricted airspace near Mar‑a‑Lago, using a standard close‑formation move known as a 'headbutt' to get the pilot’s attention.
- The pilot established radio contact after the maneuver and steered the plane out of the zone in line with fighter and controller instructions, officials said.
- The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Saturday while President Trump was in West Palm Beach to vote, and authorities note the pilot could face federal enforcement upon landing.
- The FAA has a year‑round one‑nautical‑mile restriction around Mar‑a‑Lago and activates larger 10‑mile and 30‑mile rings when the president is in the area; air traffic controllers notify NORAD when a breach occurs.
- NORAD says more than 60 interceptions have occurred in the West Palm Beach area since January 2025, most involving small single‑engine planes that officials say are often unintentional but still subject to enforcement.