Chinese National Arrested at JFK Airport on Suspicion of Photographing Military Base

A 21-year-old Chinese national was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the United States on suspicion of photographing military facilities. He was found to have photographed military aircraft without authorization near an Air Force base in Nebraska and had allegedly planned to photograph aircraft at another military installation before departing the country. The case is under investigation for alleged violations of laws concerning the filming of sensitive facilities related to national security.

The incident focuses on activities near Offutt Air Force Base, which houses the U.S. Strategic Command. Offutt Air Force Base is home to sensitive Pentagon assets, including RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and the E-4B, known as the 'Doomsday Plane.' Liang admitted to photographing RC-135 and E-4B aircraft at the base.

According to a sworn statement, a witness reported seeing a 'man with a camera with a telephoto lens' near aircraft parked on the base's runway, drawing the attention of investigators. Liang told investigators that he used an 'airplane observer' website to identify filming locations and that the photos he took were for 'personal collection.' Authorities claim he photographed military assets without authorization and was aware that photographing ground-based aircraft is illegal. Investigators stated that a review of Liang's camera revealed 'numerous photos of planes on the runway at Offutt Air Force Base,' including military aircraft parked at the base.

Liang was a student at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and had transited through Canada before entering the United States. He entered the U.S. via Canada and was subsequently found near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He is also accused of planning to photograph additional aircraft, including an E-4B at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Investigators stated that Liang himself had researched places where he could photograph and view aircraft from outside military bases. The incident raises concerns about potential threats related to military security within the United States.