The controversial Chinese balloon that traversed the United States has been shot down.
A live feed covered the balloon’s plummet from 20,000 feet. The shoot occurred just east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and reports indicate that efforts are being made to recover it for study.
A full air ground-stop was in effect until 3:30 pm. ET to facilitate the balloon takedown.
Political and public pressure to down the balloon mounted in the last few days, with one Congresman calling for an investigation as to why it was allowed to continue on its path. The administration line was that debris from any shoot would potentially cause damage.
The high-altitude Chinese balloon drew severe Pentagon accusations of spying on sensitive military sites, despite China’s denials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly canceled a high-stakes Beijing trip aimed at easing U.S.-China tensions.
It was first spotted over Montana, which is home to one of America’s three nuclear missile silo fields at Malmstrom Air Force Base, defense officials said.
A second balloon was spotted over Latin America.
