If the pilot accidentally dialed the wrong number or failed to call controlers when he entered US air space the jets would be scrambled and he would be diverted.
It is possible that he had a radio or electrical problem and could not call to get a number. In the old days if your mike or radios failed a pilot could fly to his destination and land using light signals.
I have not been able to pass a flight physical for 8 years, so I am not up on current regs.
But he was apparently squawking a wrong number or the controllers couldn't talk to him.
*****
Don't feel bad, Tator, the Clinton years were rough on all of us.