BY
Louis Caldera ’87, the former Clinton administration Secretary of the Army and University of New Mexico president who is now serving as head of the White House Military Office, faces a probe connected to the Monday flyover by an Air Force One jet and several fighter planes of Lower Manhattan. The flyover was conducted for a photo-op. Although Caldera informed several authorities, including the New York City police and fire departments, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he was unaware of the White House’s plans.
The general public was also caught by surprise, fearing the worst when they spotted a large passenger jet flying low over the portion of the city that was the site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Several buildings were evacuated during the incident, and pedestrians were taped running around the streets of Lower Manhattan in a panic. Later that day, the White House issued an apology for the incident. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama ’91 announced that there would be an investigation of the incident.
According to the New York Times, Caldera, who also gave ultimate authorization to the flyover, could face termination.