BREAKING: Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Seen In Southeast Missouri

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Multiple residents of Southeast Missouri claim to have seen the suspected Chinese spy balloon floating through the region.

Among those reporting such a sighting was 117th District State Representative Mike Henderson.

Chinese Spy Balloon right over my house. Why is it still there. WHY!!! pic.twitter.com/WD65tYtqd6

— Mike Henderson (@MikeHenderso12) February 3, 2023

Several listeners have also stated they saw the balloon, including a male who said he saw the balloon close to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Timber Creek Resort in de Soto, near State Route JJ by Highway 67.

Other Missouri media outlets have reported similar spottings.

We’ve received multiple calls from Columbia listeners about a balloon visible on the horizon. This photo was taken a few minutes ago by @939TheEagle‘s Janelle Duncan. Not sure if this is same one shown earlier by @NWSKansasCity in northwest Missouri. This is in Columbia. pic.twitter.com/erzTjlUQYs

— Brian Hauswirth (@Brianontheair) February 3, 2023

The balloon was initially spotted earlier this week over Montana. China has claimed that the balloon is being used for research “such as meteorology,” but the United States Defense Department believes that the balloon is a surveillance device. It is currently not believed to be a threat. The Pentagon suspects that shooting it down would pose a greater risk than letting it remain airborne.