Chinese Man Arrested at NYC Airport for Allegedly Photographing US Base's Military Aircraft
A Chinese national, Liang Tianrui (21), was arrested at a New York airport on suspicion of illegally photographing sensitive military aircraft at a US Air Force base in Nebraska. He claims the photos, which include the 'Doomsday Plane,' were for his personal collection.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 22:03
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(Central News Agency, Washington, 21st, Comprehensive Foreign Report) A Chinese national was arrested at New York's JFK International Airport for allegedly taking photos of sensitive military aircraft near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, and planned to travel to another military base in Oklahoma to photograph planes before leaving the country.
Fox News reported that according to court documents filed in the Eastern District of New York, 21-year-old Liang Tianrui is accused of violating federal law by taking unauthorized photographs of a defense installation.
US authorities stated that Liang was arrested on April 7 while trying to board an international flight, days after an arrest warrant was issued for him in Nebraska.
The case focuses on his activities near Offutt Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), one of the Pentagon's most sensitive facilities.
According to an FBI affidavit, investigators were alerted after a witness saw "a man with a telephoto lens camera" near the base while aircraft were parked on the base's flight line.
Offutt Air Force Base hosts several high-value reconnaissance and command aircraft, including the RC-135 reconnaissance plane and the E-4B airborne command post, the latter also known as the military's "Doomsday Plane."
Federal investigators noted that Liang later admitted to photographing several aircraft at the base, "including the RC-135 and the E-4B."
According to the affidavit, Liang told investigators he used an aircraft spotting website to find the location and claimed the photos were for his "personal collection."
US authorities allege he knowingly photographed military assets without permission.
Investigators also mentioned that an examination of Liang's camera revealed "a large number of photos of aircraft on the Offutt Air Force Base flight line."
According to investigators, Liang is a student at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and recently entered the US via Canada.
Investigators allege he had also planned to travel to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma to photograph other aircraft, including the E-4B.
The affidavit does not accuse Liang of being directed by a foreign government. (Compiled by: Hung Pei-ying) 1150421
Fox News reported that according to court documents filed in the Eastern District of New York, 21-year-old Liang Tianrui is accused of violating federal law by taking unauthorized photographs of a defense installation.
US authorities stated that Liang was arrested on April 7 while trying to board an international flight, days after an arrest warrant was issued for him in Nebraska.
The case focuses on his activities near Offutt Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), one of the Pentagon's most sensitive facilities.
According to an FBI affidavit, investigators were alerted after a witness saw "a man with a telephoto lens camera" near the base while aircraft were parked on the base's flight line.
Offutt Air Force Base hosts several high-value reconnaissance and command aircraft, including the RC-135 reconnaissance plane and the E-4B airborne command post, the latter also known as the military's "Doomsday Plane."
Federal investigators noted that Liang later admitted to photographing several aircraft at the base, "including the RC-135 and the E-4B."
According to the affidavit, Liang told investigators he used an aircraft spotting website to find the location and claimed the photos were for his "personal collection."
US authorities allege he knowingly photographed military assets without permission.
Investigators also mentioned that an examination of Liang's camera revealed "a large number of photos of aircraft on the Offutt Air Force Base flight line."
According to investigators, Liang is a student at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and recently entered the US via Canada.
Investigators allege he had also planned to travel to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma to photograph other aircraft, including the E-4B.
The affidavit does not accuse Liang of being directed by a foreign government. (Compiled by: Hung Pei-ying) 1150421