As was reported widely, the backup Air Force One did a low fly-by over lower Manhattan yesterday, scaring the bejezus out of everyone. Early blame was placed on the White House Military Officer, but it’s coming out today from the FAA that the Feds knew the fly-over photo-op would cause a panic. They just didn’t give a damn.

From WCBSTV:

CBS 2 HD has discovered the feds will have plenty to question.

Federal officials knew that sending two fighter jets and Air Force One to buzz ground zero and Lady Liberty might set off nightmarish fears of a 9/11 replay, but they still ordered the photo-op kept secret from the public.

Screen Cap Courtesy NY1

In a memo obtained by CBS 2 HD the Federal Aviation Administration’s James Johnston said the agency was aware of “the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes” in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor’s office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out.

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