Tianrui Liang, 21, was arrested after allegedly photographing U.S. military aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, the Department of Justice said. Liang entered the U.S. on March 28 after crossing from Vancouver and was later seen at Ellsworth Air Force Base before the Nebraska encounter. FBI agents arrested him at JFK Airport on April 7; he was briefly released and then taken back into federal custody on April 10. Liang is being transferred to Nebraska for court proceedings and faces up to one year in prison under the current charge; prosecutors say additional charges may be possible.
DOJ: Chinese National Arrested After Photographing U.S. Military Aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base
Chinese national arrested for photographing US military aircraft: DOJ
A 21-year-old Chinese national, Tianrui Liang, was arrested after allegedly photographing U.S. military aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, the Department of Justice said.
Incident and Timeline
According to a DOJ press release, Liang entered the United States on a visa on March 28, crossing from Vancouver, Canada, into Washington state. He was later observed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and then at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska earlier this month, where agents say he was photographing military aircraft.
After the Nebraska encounter, Liang drove to New York. FBI agents arrested him at John F. Kennedy International Airport on April 7. A magistrate judge initially released him, but federal authorities took Liang back into custody on April 10. He is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being transferred to Nebraska for court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods warned that anyone who unlawfully seeks sensitive information about military aircraft in the District of Nebraska will be held accountable under federal law.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Liang has been charged by complaint for conduct described by prosecutors as "illegally documenting" Air Force aircraft. If convicted on the current charge, he faces up to one year in prison. The DOJ noted that additional charges may still be filed as the investigation continues.
What Happens Next
Federal officials are transporting Liang back to Nebraska for upcoming court proceedings. The case remains under investigation by the FBI and federal prosecutors, and authorities have emphasized the seriousness of attempts to obtain sensitive information about military assets.
Note: Details above are based on the Department of Justice press release and statements from federal authorities; additional developments or charges may follow as the investigation continues.
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