evidence: A rumor involving U.S. President Joe Biden walking onto an airplane circulated online — primarily on X — following a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia in early August 2024. [...] As another piece of evidence showing the false nature of the Biden "empty plane" rumor, Getty Images hosts a picture (archived) captured by photographer Brendan Smialowski that shows Biden walking up the plane's stairs at Joint Base Andrews. The caption clearly states Biden stepped onto the plane "to talk to the pilot who flew the former prisoners." [...] In sum, Biden did not board an "empty plane." Video evidence and information from eyewitnesses show Biden walked onto the plane to visit at least one pilot and possibly other people who were still onboard.