The FBI has placed Pilot Flying J headquarters on lockdown, according to multiple news outlets and a statement from Pilot. No reports nor the statement indicate why, but Pilot says in its statement that all Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas are open and operational. Here’s the entirety of Pilot’s statement:
“As of the afternoon of April 15, FBI officials have sequestered the Pilot Flying J headquarters on Lonas Drive in Knoxville.
At this time, we do not know the nature of the situation. Pilot Flying J is cooperating fully with the authorities.
Pilot Food Marts, Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas remain open and continue to serve the public.
Pilot Flying J is confident that the matter will be resolved fully.”
As reported on Overdrive in August, Pilot Flying J owner Jimmy Haslam III is now part owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
Haslam’s brother, Bill Haslam, is Tennessee’s governor. Bill and Jimmy are sons of Pilot founder Jim Haslam, who founded the company in 1958.
Overdrive is tracking the story and will post more information when it becomes available. For now, here’s a roundup of the local and national reports:
NBC Sports: FBI present at Pilot Flying J headquarters
Knoxnews.com: Photo Galleries: FBI locks down Pilot Flying J headquarters
Knoxnews.com: FBI locks down Pilot Flying J HQs
Convenience Store News: FBI shuts down Pilot Flying J headquarters