Washington | The US Air Force opened an internal investigation Friday after an intruder managed to board an official plane at a military base near Washington, despite heightened security measures after the Jan.6 assault on Capitol Hill.
An “adult man” managed to enter the Andrews military base on Thursday, which welcomes foreign dignitaries visiting Washington and where official US planes, including the Air Force One presidential plane, are stationed, the US said. Air Force in a press release.
He “illegally boarded a C-40”, a military version of the Boeing 737, before being arrested by the authorities, added the air force, stressing that the man was not armed. and that no one was injured.
The C-40 aircraft stationed at Andrews Air Force Base are used by members of the United States government, senior Congressional officials, or senior military officials on official trips.
The US Air Force did not specify how the man managed to enter the air base, which is however closely guarded, or how much time he spent on the plane.
But the Air Force statement specifies that “there is no indication that the individual has any link whatsoever with extremist groups.”
The US Air Force has opened an investigation into this break-in and has undertaken to publish the findings.
“Everyone takes this very seriously. The Minister (of Defense, Lloyd Austin) takes this very seriously, “assured Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, stressing that the investigation would focus on US Air Force security measures around the world. .
Thousands of National Guard troops have bolstered Washington’s security since pro-Trump protesters assaulted the Capitol that left 5 dead.
As authorities fear further protests, they are tasked with protecting the Capitol during Donald Trump’s impeachment trial set to start on February 9.