A Chinese security official was tackled by a US Secret Service agent in an incident involving the U.S. “nuclear football” during President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing last year, according to a Sunday report by Axios.
The “football” or “president’s emergency satchel” is an 45-lb aluminum-framed Zero Halliburton briefcase inside a black leather “jacket,” in which a plastic card with the nuclear launch codes called the “nuclear biscuit” can be found. It also contains the procedures for the Emergency Broadcast System, a “black book” with a “menu” of pre-planned strike options, and a book of classified bunkers where the President can be sheltered. The football is always carried by a military aide who is required to remain nearby the President at all times.
Five people familiar with the matter described what went down to Axios’s Jonathan Swan:
- When the U.S. military aide carrying the nuclear football entered the Great Hall, Chinese security officials blocked his entry.
- A U.S. official hurried into the adjoining room and told Kelly what was happening. Kelly rushed over and told the U.S. officials to keep walking — “We’re moving in,” he said — and the Americans all started moving.
- Then there was a commotion. A Chinese security official grabbed Kelly, and Kelly shoved the man’s hand off of his body. Then a U.S. Secret Service agent grabbed the Chinese security official and tackled him to the ground.
The whole incident was reportedly over in a flash, and U.S. officials were told to keep quiet about it (good job guys).
Trump’s team reportedly conducted a routine security briefing with the Chinese prior to their visit to Beijing, so there was either a breakdown in communications on the Chinese end, or the scuffle was intentional.
At no point did the Chinese take possession of the nuclear football, nor even touch the briefcase – and the head of the Chinese security detail is said to have apologized to the Americans following the incident.
Oh the drama
There is no football in China. That is why the guy didn’t know how to force a fumble. So solly, Chollie.
“The “football” or “president’s emergency satchel” is an 45-lb aluminum-framed Zero Halliburton briefcase inside a black leather “jacket,” in which a plastic card with the nuclear launch codes called the “nuclear biscuit” can be found. It also contains the procedures for the Emergency Broadcast System, a “black book” with a “menu” of pre-planned strike options,…”
In other words… global destruction at the touch of a button, WHEREVER he is.
THAT’S a comforting thought.