Air Force Investigates Use of Military Aircraft to Monitor Protests

Strategic Insights -

The Air Force is investigating the use of military aircraft to monitor protesters across the US, following concerns raised by the Secretary of Defense. According to Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the investigation is being led by the Air Force Inspector General and is focused on the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity. The investigation comes as government watchdogs express fears that the planes, equipped with live video cameras and heat sensors, were used to track protesters and capture cell phone data. Nearly three dozen Democrats in Congress have demanded an end to the practice, calling it a "deep and profound" breach of Americans' First and Fourth Amendment rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air Force is investigating the use of military aircraft to monitor protesters across the US, following concerns raised by the Secretary of Defense.
  • The investigation is being led by the Air Force Inspector General and is focused on the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity.
  • The RC-26B plane is a twin-engine turboprop typically used by the FBI and the National Guard for drug interdiction and is normally outfitted with thermal imaging and live video cameras.
  • Congress has called for an end to the practice, citing concerns that it breaches Americans' First and Fourth Amendment rights.
  • The investigation comes as government watchdogs express fears that the planes were used to track protesters and capture cell phone data.
  • The FBI has stated that it has been focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity.
  • A National Guard investigation found a lack of clarity in orders played a significant role in a medical evacuation helicopter flying at extremely low altitude over protesters in the nation's capital earlier this month.

Statistics:

  • Nearly three dozen Democrats in Congress signed a June 9 letter demanding an immediate end to the use of military aircraft to monitor protests.
  • The plane, RC-26B, is a twin-engine turboprop with the capacity to fly day and night and monitor illegal activity using thermal imaging.
  • The Air Force Inspector General is leading the investigation into the use of military aircraft to monitor protests.
  • The investigation is ongoing, with no timeline for completion.
  • The FBI has stated that it has been focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity during protests.

Sources:

  • (CNN) -- The Air Force inspector general is investigating the use of military aircraft to monitor protesters during recent unrest across the country, according to an Air Force spokesperson.
  • New York Times first reported the news of the investigation.
  • National Guard fact sheet details the capabilities of the RC-26B plane, including thermal imaging and live video cameras.
  • CNN reviewed flight path data showing an RC-26B over Washington, DC, and Las Vegas.
  • June 9 letter to the heads of the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Guard from nearly three dozen Democrats in Congress.