POLICE have launched a manhunt for the anti-Trump protestor who breached a security ring to paraglide within 60 metres of the President.
The US President was enjoying the evening sunshine with business associates on the lawn of his Turnberry golf course when a Greenpeace protestor swooped above carrying a banner saying: ‘Trump Well Below Par #resist’
It is understood security agents ushered the President inside as the activist glided overhead.
A no-fly zone has been enforced over the world famous Turnberry Golf Resort while the President is in residence.
We've hit @realDonaldTrump where it hurts - at his golf course. Trump does not believe in climate change. He's pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement, and is committed to burning more climate wrecking coal. We couldn't let him get away with a quiet game of golf... #resist pic.twitter.com/Di9SllcqN1
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) July 14, 2018
The paraglider flew three miles across the Ayrshire countryside at 9.30pm – minutes after Mr Trump arrived at the course - before circling the lawn in front of the Turnberry hotel where the US President is staying for the weekend.
Detective Inspector Stephen McCulloch said: "We are investigating a breach of the air exclusion zone over Turnberry Hotel, which is a criminal offence.
"We are attempting to trace the pilot and I would appeal to anyone with any information about the incident to call Police Scotland on 101."
Watch as @realDonaldTrump tries to hide from our message flying right over his head #resist #stoptrump pic.twitter.com/hINfBLpFoZ
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) July 13, 2018
Ben Stewart, a spokesman for Greenpeace, said: the reaction from authorities was “pretty calm” when they informed them of the incoming stunt.
He said: "One of our first thoughts were how can we ensure that the police are comfortable with what we’re doing and don’t over-react.
"So, we made a plan that as soon as we took off about three miles away about 15 minutes from Turnberry.
"As soon as he took off we gave the Air Incident Controller in Prestwick aircraft control a ring and told them we’re coming in.
"With these things you get a sense of what the reaction would be — and it felt pretty calm — we came in above Trump and it was interesting to see that Trump saw us and scurried inside when our banner came over."
A Greenpeace representative at the police line informed officers about the fly-past before it happened.
Greenpeace also telephoned the police air incident advisor 10 minutes before the glider arrived, telling them what was planned.
At the same time Greenpeace contacted Prestwick air traffic control by telephone and radio to inform them about the paraglider’s arrival.
A Greenpeace spokesman said: “Trump calls climate change a ‘con job’ and a ‘myth’.
“He pulled America out of the Paris climate accord and overturned the Obama clean power plan that would have slashed American pollution.
“He’s committed to burning more dirty coal and overturned the ban on offshore Arctic oil drilling. And that’s before you even get to talking about separating kids from their parents and caging them.”
He added: “Theresa May should not have dignified Trump with a visit to the UK. The vast majority of British people are appalled by his words and deeds. He is, simply, the worst president ever. That’s why we flew over him with a message branding him well below par.”
In a tweet this morning, Mr Trump welcomed the weather and praised Scotland as an “incredible” place.
He will be holding meetings and playing golf before setting off to meet Vladimir Putin on Sunday in Helsinki.
Dozens of protests have taken place across the country against his visit.
Today, a rally is being held in Edinburgh and a Pride march in Glasgow will likely have an anti-Trump tone.
Yesterday, he held talks with Theresa May about a trade deal and met the Queen.
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