(LAKE HURON) — After FAA temporarily closed some airspace over the northern part of Lake Michigan on Sunday afternoon to “support Department of Defense activities," officials have confirmed that an object was shot down near Lake Huron.
"HIGH ALTITUDE OBJECT"
The airspace closure over Lake Michigan comes just one day after the FAA shut down airspace over Montana. According to the Associated Press, the object flying over Lake Huron is believed to be the one spotted over Montana.
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) February 12, 2023
Later on Sunday, CNN said a "high-altitude object" had been spotted over Lake Huron.
The U.S. military shot down the object on Sunday afternoon, according to a report from CNN. President Joe Biden is reportedly responsible for ordering the object to be shot down.
Officials told CNN the object was "octagonal" with strings hanging off and no discernable payload.
The object was flying 20,000 feet above the Upper Peninsula and was on the verge of crossing Lake Huron before being shot down, officials told CNN.
On Sunday evening, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder informed CNN the object was "not assessed to be a military threat."
"It was a safety flight hazard and a threat due to its potential surveillance capabilities," said Ryder in a press conference. "Our team will now work to recover the object in an effort to learn more."
MICHIGAN LEADERS REACT
Around 3:13 p.m, Representative Elissa Slotkin confirmed she was in contact with the Department of Defense, saying "the military has an extremely close eye on the object above Lake Huron."
The object has been downed by pilots from the US Air Force and National Guard. Great work by all who carried out this mission both in the air and back at headquarters. We’re all interested in exactly what this object was and it’s purpose. 1/ https://t.co/LsjwtjntCv
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) February 12, 2023
Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow said they also were informed of the object, expressing gratitude that the it had been taken down safely. Both pledged to keep working for information from the Department of Defense.
Rep. Hilary Scholten of Michigan's third district said she was also briefed by the Department of Defense. "Thanks to the brave men and women of the U.S. military for carrying out this prompt and effective mission," she tweeted around 5:00 on Sunday afternoon.
Rep. John Moolenar of Michigan's second district also issued a statement, thanking the military for taking action. However, he expressed additional hopes for information to be "made available to the public as soon as possible."
Both representatives promised to stay in contact with the Department of Defense.
Meanwhile, Governor Whitmer called national security "a top priority" and said she was speaking with federal officials. She also said "The Michigan National Guard stands ready."
Our national security and safety is always a top priority. I’ve been in contact with the federal government and our partners who were tracking an object near our airspace. I’m glad to report it has been swiftly, safely, and securely taken down. The @MINationalGuard stands ready.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) February 12, 2023
OBJECTS OVER CANADA & ALASKA
Another object was shot down by a U.S. warplane one day ago, after being spied flying at a high altitude over Canada.
The object was the third known to have violated North American airspace in the past two weeks.
Additionally, a suspected Chinese spy balloon spent nearly a week flying through Canada and U.S. airspace before it was shot down by U.S. warplanes off South Carolina last Sunday.
The U.S. military shot down a second object in Alaskan airspace Friday, though authorities have not provided details on what it was.
READ: Biden orders to shoot down "object" flying over Alaska
According to U.S. Northern Command, recovery operations continued Saturday both near Deadhorse, Alaska, and off South Carolina.
In a statement, the Northern Command said there were no new details on what the object was that a U.S. fighter jet shot down over Alaska. It said the Alaska Command and the Alaska National Guard, along with the FBI and local law enforcement, were conducting search and recovery.
READ: US jets down 4 objects in 8 days, unprecedented in peacetime
