Army Air Defense Units Deployed Around Mar-a-Lago at Secret Service Request

The Epoch Times reports that the Secret Service asked for short-range surface-to-air missile systems and counter-drone equipment at and near President Donald Trump's Palm Beach, Florida, estate, Mar-a-Lago. Officials confirmed the move on Oct. 29 but released few details.

Key points

• The equipment: Citing local media, the report says Humvee-mounted Army Avenger short-range air defense systems were placed on a floating barge near the estate and at West Palm Beach's Donald J. Trump International Airport, which Air Force One uses.
• Military statement: A NORAD and U.S. Northern Command spokesperson said the assets were sent at the Secret Service's request as "a complementary layer" of protection, and cited operational security in declining to say more.
• No threat confirmed: The Secret Service did not reply, the Pentagon referred questions to the White House, and a White House spokesperson would not say whether there was a specific threat.
• Airspace limits: NORAD set temporary flight restrictions over the area through Nov. 1. On Oct. 24, fighter jets intercepted a general aviation plane that strayed into a no-fly zone over Palm Beach.
• About the Avenger: The Army describes it as a mobile system meant to defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

Quick take

The report adds that Trump was expected at the estate for the Halloween weekend, that a planned in-person rally in Kansas became a virtual tele-rally, and that the White House says he plans more than 20 tele-rallies before Election Day.

Read the full story at The Epoch Times.