US Army Helicopter Crews Suspended and Reinstated
The crews of two US Army military helicopters seen hovering near musician Kid Rock's residence were briefly suspended, the Army confirmed on Tuesday. However, within hours, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the personnel could return to duty.
No punishment. No Investigation. Carry on, patriots,Hegseth stated in a social media post.
The BBC reached out to the Army, which initially said it had suspended the personnel pending an investigation. The incident gained attention after Kid Rock, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, posted a video on Saturday showing himself gesturing at the AH-64 Apache helicopters flying above his pool, prompting public curiosity about the purpose of the flight.
President Trump's Comments on the Incident
When asked about the helicopters, Trump responded humorously:
Maybe they were trying to defend him.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump added:
They probably shouldn't have been doing it. You're not supposed to be playing games. They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock.
Details of the Flight and Army Statement
Earlier on Tuesday, the Army confirmed that two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Campbell, conducted a flight on 28 March in the Nashville area of Tennessee, where Kid Rock resides and owns two restaurants.
The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable,said Army spokesman Major Montrell Russell in a statement to the BBC. He added that the crews were temporarily removed from duty while the military investigated whether federal flying regulations had been followed.
Kid Rock's Response and Relationship with Military
Kid Rock spoke to local station WKRN-TV on Monday, noting that it is not unusual for helicopters from the nearby Fort Campbell Army base to fly near his home.
He mentioned his history of performing for troops both at Fort Campbell and overseas.
I think they know this is a pretty friendly spot. I've talked to some of these pilots. I've told them, 'You guys see me waving when you come by the house?' I'm like, 'You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.'
Videos Posted by Kid Rock
In the caption accompanying the footage he shared, Kid Rock, who also performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention, included a disparaging remark about California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has had public disputes with him and Trump.
One video clip shows Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, standing poolside next to a replica of the Statue of Liberty. He is seen clapping and saluting as the helicopters hover before departing.
God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,the caption reads.
Another video shows the singer of "Born Free" pumping his fist as a second gunship flies by his mansion, which he refers to as the Southern White House.
