Balloon not national security threat, NORAD reportedly says

A balloon that was intercepted above Utah does not pose a national security threat, the North American Aerospace Defense Command indicated, according to Fox News Digital.

“In close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected a small balloon at an altitude varying between 43,000-45,000 ft,” NORAD indicated, according to the outlet. “The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security. NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon. The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety. NORAD remains in close coordination with the FAA to ensure flight safety.”

CBS News reported that a U.S. official told the outlet that it was anticipated that the balloon would be above Georgia by Friday night.

“Shoot it down. Protect our country,” tweeted South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican.

“Shoot down the Spy balloon immediately!!!” GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia tweeted.

Last year, President Joe Biden came under heavy scrutiny for allowing a Chinese balloon to remain aloft in U.S. skies before finally moving to down it off the coast of South Carolina.

“Last year, the CCP sent a spy balloon to fly over Montana skies, and we still have yet to uncover the whole story. One year later, another unknown balloon is flying over American territory, and we know NOTHING,” GOP Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana tweeted.