FAA Memo: Feds Knew Flyover Would Cause NYC Panic

[headhuntersix]

NEW YORK (CBS) ― 
Click to enlarge
 An F-16 fighter jet trails a larger military aircraft over Lower Manhattan Monday, April 27, 2009, conducting a photo shoot that panicked thousands of New Yorkers who believed the city was in jeopardy for another terrorist attack.
Christopher Talbot, WCBS-AM Listener

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Click to enlarge
 Dozens of people evacuated outside 17 State Street after military jets were seen escorting a 747 in Manhattan on April 27, 2009.
CBS


 


 
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Recriminations After NYC Jet Flyover Photo Op (4/28/2009)
Related LinksWCBS-TV Local Coverage
A furious President Barack Obama ordered an internal review of Monday's low-flying photo op over the Statue of Liberty.

CBS 2 HD has discovered the feds will have plenty to question.

Federal officials knew that sending two fighter jets and Air Force One to buzz ground zero and Lady Liberty might set off nightmarish fears of a 9/11 replay, but they still ordered the photo-op kept secret from the public.

In a memo obtained by CBS 2 HD the Federal Aviation Administration's James Johnston said the agency was aware of "the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes" in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out.

"To say that it should not be made public knowing that it might scare people it's just confounding," Sen. Charles Schumer said. "It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity."

The flyover -- apparently ordered by the White House Office of Military Affairs so it would have souvenir photos of Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty in the background -- had President Obama seeing red. He ordered a probe and apologized.

"It was a mistake. It will never happen again," President Obama said.

The NYPD was so upset about the demand for secrecy that Police Commissioner Ray Kelly vowed never to follow such a directive again and he accused the feds of inciting fears of a 9/11 replay.

"Did it show any insensitivity to the psychic wounds New York City has after 9/11? Absolutely. No questions about it. It was quite insensitive."

The cost of the frivolous flight was about $60,000 an hour and that was just for Air Force One. That doesn't include the cost of the two F-16s that came along.

The mayoral aide who neglected to tell Mayor Michael Bloomberg about it was reprimanded.

[tonymctones]

how could you not? the ppl who knew about this and didnt say anything should be beat for their stupidity

[Soul Crusher]

It did cause panic and this was a disgusting stunt pulled by the WH.

Bloomberg had every right to be pissed off. 

[MB_722]

 

[MB_722]

the guy they blamed is a patsy.   

[MB_722]

unfortunately talking about it perpetuates it further.

[headhuntersix]

They had people calling in thinking it was flying into a building. The fact that they knew...wow..good job barry. He's the boss..its his fault. Are u going to tell me they don't have a meeting where this is covered?

[headhuntersix]

So, is it any wonder he would staff his White House Military Office with a clueless paper-pusher who saw nothing wrong with spending inordinate government resources – and recreating 9/11 havoc — to update Air Force One publicity shots? And who planned, believe it or not, to do the same in Washington, D.C., next month, where 53 passengers and 6 crew members on board American Airlines Flight 77, and 125 military and civilian personnel inside the Pentagon were murdered by the 9/11 jihadists? All for some damned publicity shots.

[2ND COMING]

whats the sense in not notifying the highest level of command on the scene of what youre about to do?

[Parker]

So, two f-16's escorting a 747 caused this much rukus? NY is one of the most neurotic states. And this proves it.

Nothing being shot down, and chances are they were flying at a even pace, at even altitude. Intelligent people can see what is going on.

But, then again, NYC is where 911 happened... But still.

Gee, maybe I should get antsy when the Blue Angels fly over my house real close (every year)

[OzmO]

Savage called it a conspiracy 

[tonymctones]

So, two f-16's escorting a 747 caused this much rukus? NY is one of the most neurotic states. And this proves it.

Nothing being shot down, and chances are they were flying at a even pace, at even altitude. Intelligent people can see what is going on.

But, then again, NYC is where 911 happened... But still.

Gee, maybe I should get antsy when the Blue Angels fly over my house real close (every year)

LOL congrats you just made one of the more moronic statements on getbig...9/11 is all you have to say, ya im sure if one of the blue angels crashed into your house you would be really calm when the buzzed it the next time unannounced 

[240 is Back]

Savage called it a conspiracy 

haha but he bought the 911 lie, hook line and sinker!

he's quite backwards, that fellah.