A spokesman for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), John Cornelio, told CNN that the F-16 was sent to inspect a small plane that entered the space above the presidential rally on Wednesday afternoon.
“The infringing aircraft was non-responsive to initial intercept processes, but Norad established radio communications after setting the signal flares by the aircraft,” Cornelius said. “The infringing aircraft was evacuated by Nord aircraft outside the restricted area without incident.”
The rise of Arizona – where Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris is set to travel on Wednesday – could swing the state a big tilt in Trump’s election hopes and provide Biden with a major lifeline.
The small plane was not visible to CNN reporters on the ground in Arizona but the fighter jet could be heard from above, prompting the rally crowd and the president himself to react.
Trump, apparently captured by the jet above, said the plane was “about four days old” and attracted its funding for the military.
“I like that sound, I like it,” Trump said in the sound of aircraft engines. “You don’t know what I’m doing to get those suckers out there – I had to take that money from the Democrats.”
He said the jet was “trying to show” for him and the Flames arranged a “little demonstration” for the president.
U.S. Secret Service agents also reacted to the jet’s unexpected presence during the rally, with some rushing toward the president, although they never really stepped on stage.
With the sound of “USA” and as many people shouting as the jet could be heard, the crowd shouted, “This is the voice of freedom!”
The story was updated Wednesday evening.
CNN’s Stephen Collinson and Harry Anten contributed to this report.
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