Tianrui Liang, 21, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on April 7, just as he prepared to leave the country on an international flight. Officials say the arrest followed a warrant issued in Nebraska over his alleged activities near Offutt Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Strategic Command.

Investigators claim Liang photographed high-value military aircraft, including reconnaissance and command planes stationed at the base. According to an FBI affidavit, a witness reported seeing "a male holding a camera with a telescopic lens" near the flightline area.

Authorities later reviewed images from Liang's camera and said it contained "numerous photographs of planes located on the OAFB flightline," including parked military aircraft.

Case Focuses on Restricted Military Aircraft and Surveillance Concerns

Offutt Air Force Base hosts critical U.S. military aircraft such as the RC-135 surveillance plane and the E-4B "Nightwatch," widely known as the military's "doomsday plane." Federal agents say Liang admitted to photographing these aircraft.

Liang allegedly told investigators he used a "planespotter" website to find photography locations and insisted the images were meant for his "personal collection." However, officials say he knew the activity was illegal.

"He knew it was illegal to take pictures of the planes on the ground," the affidavit states.

Who is Tianrui Liang?

Tianrui Liang is a 21-year-old Chinese national currently studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Investigators say he recently travelled through Canada before entering the United States on his trip linked to multiple military sites.

According to federal authorities, Liang showed interest in aircraft photography and used online "planespotter" tools to locate areas where he could view and capture military planes from outside restricted zones.

Officials say he told investigators the images were part of his "personal collection," while the investigation into his activities continues.

Travel Path Across Multiple Military Sites Investigated

Court documents suggest Liang's movements extended beyond Nebraska. Investigators say he travelled through Canada into the United States before visiting multiple locations linked to military aviation activity.

Authorities allege he planned to continue to Oklahoma to photograph aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, which also hosts E-4B aircraft. Reports also indicate he previously stopped near Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota during his trip.

The FBI believes Liang deliberately searched for locations where he could observe and photograph aircraft from outside restricted military zones.

Arrest at Airport and Federal Charges

Officials arrested Liang at JFK Airport while he was preparing to board a flight out of the United States. He faces charges under federal law that prohibits photographing defense installations without permission from a base commander.

Authorities say there is "probable cause to believe" he violated these restrictions while photographing aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base.

Liang was studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and had entered the U.S. via Canada shortly before the incident, according to investigators.

Federal authorities have not alleged any direct link between Liang and a foreign government. The investigation remains ongoing as officials review his travel history, digital data, and photographic evidence.