The Pentagon says a Chinese spy balloon that was seen over Wyoming is now over the central United States.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall stated on Twitter that the balloon was over northeast Kansas early Friday afternoon, and his office has been in contact with law enforcement officials. There were later reports that the balloon was seen over Columbia, Missouri. Marshall condemned China for spying on Americans, and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also issued a statement on Twitter, calling the situation alarming. She said her office was in touch with the state’s congressional delegation and the White House to work together to protect the safety and security of Kansans.
Earlier today, the Pentagon said the high-altitude balloon violated U.S. air space as they continue to monitor its progress. Brigadier General Pat Ryder said it’s floating eastward over the nation’s midsection at about 60-thousand feet. Ryder called it a violation of U.S. airspace, but officials decided not to shoot it down to avoid debris hurting anyone on the ground. The general added that the balloon currently doesn’t pose a physical or military threat. The balloon will likely be in U.S. airspace for a few days.
The White House says the balloon is a clear violation of American sovereignty. On Air Force One heading to Philadelphia, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden was briefed on the high-altitude balloon moving through U.S. airspace Tuesday. The surveillance balloon doesn’t pose a physical or military threat and Pentagon officials said it will likely be in U.S. airspace for a few days. China claimed the balloon is used for weather research and was blown off course.
Photo: Chase Doak via REUTERS
