F-16 performs headbutt maneuver to intercept plane near Mar-a-Lago

U.S. military officials confirmed that a fighter jet intercepted a civilian plane near President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. Eastern Time when an F-16 from the North American Aerospace Defense Command flew directly in front of the civilian aircraft. NORAD identified this tactical move as a headbutt maneuver, a standard procedure designed to gain the pilot's attention.

The military jet successfully established communication with the civilian pilot following the maneuver. The pilot then steered the aircraft out of the restricted airspace in compliance with flight instructions, according to NORAD.

The civilian plane had violated a Temporary Flight Restriction enacted over the area. NORAD noted that the pilot could be met by federal authorities upon landing and may face enforcement action for the violation.

The Federal Aviation Administration issues these restrictions for events involving high-profile political figures. Pilots receive updates through Notices to Airmen and are encouraged to monitor these alerts regularly to avoid such incursions.

President Trump was in West Palm Beach on Saturday to cast an early ballot for the midterm elections. He and First Lady Melania Trump were seen at a local polling station in the afternoon. When asked if he voted along party lines, Trump said, "Very much so." He subsequently traveled to Georgia for a campaign rally.

This interception follows a series of similar events in recent weeks. Earlier this month, NORAD reported that F-16s intercepted a plane over Clemson, South Carolina, where Trump supported Darline Graham's Senate campaign. A few days prior, the command recorded a similar interception over Cincinnati, Ohio, during another presidential visit.