FBI arrests Scots student for US base photos

TL;DR

Tianrui Liang Arrested: FBI arrested 21-year-old Chinese student at University of Glasgow for photographing US military aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base without permission.
Key Aircraft Photographed: Images included Boeing RC-135 reconnaissance plane and E-4B "Doomsday plane" used as mobile command post in emergencies.
Detention Ordered: Initially released on bail but later detained as flight risk after arrest at JFK Airport on April 7, 2026.

The story at a glance

Tianrui Liang, a 21-year-old Chinese aeronautical engineering student at the University of Glasgow, was arrested by the FBI at New York's JFK Airport on April 7, 2026, for allegedly photographing US military aircraft at Nebraska's Offutt Air Force Base without permission. He faces charges under US Code Section 795 prohibiting photos of vital military sites. The case surfaced now due to a recent court affidavit detailing his travel and actions, amid an ongoing investigation mentioning a possible co-conspirator.

Key points

Liang entered the US from Canada on March 28, drove to Offutt after trying to photograph B-1B bombers elsewhere, guided by a planespotter website.
Witness saw a man with a telescopic lens camera near the base while a plane was on the runway.
Liang admitted knowing photography was illegal but said images were for his personal collection.
Charged under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 795; was on B1/B2 tourist/business visa.
Initially bailed on April 8 with passport surrender and no-travel-to-bases order, but detained April 9 as flight risk.
FBI affidavit by agent Noah Heflin cites probable cause; full report restricted due to co-conspirator probe.
University of Glasgow and US Attorney’s Office declined comment.

Details and context

Liang flew to Vancouver on March 26 to meet a Columbia University student friend, crossed into the US, and drove via Seattle and Billings to South Dakota's Ellsworth base before heading to Offutt, home to US Strategic Command and the 55th Wing.

Offutt, south of Omaha, hosts sensitive aircraft like the Boeing RC-135 and E-4B "Doomsday plane," a survivable command post for emergencies.

He was en route to Glasgow via Frankfurt when arrested; his lawyer did not respond to inquiries.

Key quotes

Liang reportedly said he knew taking photographs was illegal, but they were "only for his own personal collection."

Why it matters

Tensions around photography near US military sites highlight national security concerns, especially involving foreign nationals at strategic bases like Offutt. This case underscores risks for international students or travelers near restricted areas, potentially affecting visa holders' movements and legal status. Watch court proceedings in Nebraska or New York for charges, detention updates, or co-conspirator developments, though details remain restricted.