Air Force One “Maneuvers” over New York City Cause Widespread Panic (VIDEO)

F-16 Fighter Jets were seen escorting a 747 jumbo jet from the Air Force One fleet near the Statue of Liberty earlier today. The fly-by caused a brief period of widespread panic among the citizens of New York City.

The U.S. Defense Dept. issued a statement afterward, saying the maneuver was just a photo opp. After realizing how much people were traumatized, they later issued another statement and apologized to New Yorkers for the scare.

Really? A Photo Opp??

After watching the video below, you’ll understand why the people of NYC were so scared – watching a jumbo jet pitching, yawing and banking at a 45 degree angle back and forth while being chased by close flying fighter jets would scare anyone unaccustomed to it. Couple that with the fact that 8 years ago planes crashed into the World Trade Center, constant threats of terrorism and a general overall feeling of unease in a society and you have a lot of people on edge.

Air Force One near the Statue of Liberty Video

Does that really look like a “Photo Opp.” to anyone else? Those are emergency preparedness maneuvers – anyone who has ever been in the military knows that.