On Saturday evening, Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s main street was completely closed for more than 100 minutes. No getting through. Not even for emergency services. Residents were even forbidden to cross the street.
Until the hundreds of meters long convoy of US President Joe Biden (79) passed.
BILD found out: After his arrival with “Air Force One” at Munich Airport, the US President was not allowed to fly quickly and comfortably by helicopter to Elmau Castle – as is usually the case. Although he got into his helicopter, he had to interrupt the flight at Pömetsried (almost 40 kilometers from the castle).
► The reason: According to US security protocols, the presidential helicopter may only land at a location if the crew has rehearsed the landing process beforehand. This rule may only be circumvented in absolute emergencies.
Last Friday, the US pilots wanted to fly to the parking lot near the castle, which was specially paved for the helicopters, but were stopped by a storm with hail and squalls. Alternative location: an airfield near Pömetsried.
From there, Biden had to cover the 40 kilometers to Elmau by road. But not without dozens of German police vehicles, more Secret Service cars and even a US ambulance in tow.
