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A Chinese national was arrested April 7 after he allegedly illegally photographed U.S. Air Force planes at a military base in Nebraska, authorities said.
Tianrui Liang, 21, was charged with illegally photographing Air Force planes at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, which is a key base in the Air Force’s Strategic Command, according to a Justice Department (DOJ) press release. Liang crossed the U.S.-Canada border on March 28, 2026, from Vancouver to Washington on a valid B1/B2 visa, the DOJ said.
He was also allegedly at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota ahead of visiting Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. In addition, Liang was interested in visiting Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The Associated Press (AP) reported.
Chinese National Arrested at JFK International Airport on Federal Charges for Illegally Photographing Military Aircraft at Nebraska Air Force Base
“Any individuals who unlawfully attempt to acquire sensitive information about military aircraft located in the District of Nebraska… pic.twitter.com/LGufiZRZKt
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) April 23, 2026