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A Chinese citizen was apprehended at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport following allegations by federal authorities that he took unauthorized photographs of military aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The individual, identified as Tianrui Liang, allegedly had plans to target another military installation before leaving the United States.
Liang, aged 21, faces accusations of breaching a federal statute that prohibits taking photographs of defense sites without proper permission, as detailed in court documents submitted to the Eastern District of New York.
Authorities detained Liang on April 7 as he attempted to board an international flight, mere days after a warrant for his arrest was issued in Nebraska. This case highlights activities near Offutt Air Force Base, a critical site housing the U.S. Strategic Command, and regarded as one of the Pentagon’s most crucial installations.
According to an FBI affidavit, the investigation was triggered when a witness reported observing a man with a camera equipped with a telescopic lens near the base. This location is notable for aircraft positioned on the flight line, raising concerns about the nature of his intentions and actions.
According to an FBI affidavit, investigators were alerted after a witness reported seeing “a male holding a camera with a telescopic lens” near the base, where aircraft are stationed on the flight line.
Offutt hosts high-value reconnaissance and command aircraft, including the RC-135 surveillance plane and the E-4B “Nightwatch,” often referred to as the military’s “doomsday plane.”
Federal agents say Liang later admitted to photographing several aircraft at the base, “including the RC-135 and the E-4B.”
A U.S. Air Force E-4B assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., flies on a training sortie over the Midwest, May, 15, 2024. The E-4B is a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, consisting of four engines, a swept-wing design, and capable of long-range, high-altitude operations and in-flight air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)
Liang told investigators he used a “planespotter” website to identify photography locations and said the images were for his “personal collection,” according to the affidavit.
Authorities allege he knowingly photographed restricted military assets without permission.
“He knew it was illegal to take pictures of the planes on the ground,” the affidavit states.
U.S. military personnel guide an E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft, known as the “doomsday plane,” on the tarmac. Federal authorities say similar aircraft were photographed near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska as part of an investigation into a Chinese national arrested in New York. (Chris Machian /Omaha World-Herald via AP)
Investigators said a subsequent review of his camera revealed “numerous photographs of planes located on the OAFB flightline,” including images of military aircraft parked on the base.
Liang was a student at Glasgow University in Scotland, according to investigators, and had recently traveled through Canada before entering the United States.
Authorities say Liang entered the United States via Canada and was later found near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Investigators allege he planned to travel to Oklahoma to photograph additional aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, including the E-4B.
Investigators said Liang specifically sought out locations where he could view and photograph aircraft from outside military installations.
The law prohibits photographing military installations without approval from a base commander. Prosecutors say there is “probable cause to believe” Liang photographed aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base without that approval.
The affidavit does not allege Liang was acting on behalf of any foreign government.