The escalating prevalence of unidentified drones in the airspace over the northeastern United States has prompted heightened concern from state officials, leading to airport closures and calls for increased federal intervention. The recent shutdown of Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, New York, for approximately an hour on Friday night due to drone activity underscores the growing urgency of the situation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, deeming the situation to have “gone too far,” has directed the New York State Intelligence Center to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies in investigating these sightings. The incident at Stewart Airport, located over an hour north of Manhattan, highlights the potential disruption these drones can cause to critical infrastructure and air travel.
The unidentified drones have been reported across New Jersey and neighboring states for several weeks, with a significant number of sightings occurring at night. The FBI has confirmed receiving over 3,000 tips related to these incidents, indicating widespread public awareness and concern. While the New York State Police have stated that the reported sightings do not currently pose a public safety threat, authorities are actively investigating each report and sharing information with federal and local partners. This collaborative approach aims to determine the nature and origin of the drone activity and assess any potential risks associated with it.
A joint statement by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security asserts that there is presently no evidence linking the drone sightings to national security threats, public safety risks, or foreign involvement. However, the persistent nature of the sightings and the potential for disruption have prompted calls for enhanced counter-drone measures. Governor Hochul has urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would empower state and local law enforcement agencies with greater authority to address drone-related incidents. This legislation aims to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and extend counter-drone capabilities to select state and local entities, enhancing their ability to investigate and mitigate such activity.
The call for greater federal involvement extends beyond New York. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has formally requested additional federal resources to aid investigations in his state. In a letter to President Joe Biden, Murphy emphasized the need for more support to understand the ongoing drone activity, which has been reported in New Jersey since November 18th. While acknowledging assistance from the DHS and FBI, Murphy stressed the necessity for increased resources to effectively address the situation. He also echoed Governor Hochul’s call for reauthorization of federal counter-UAS authority, highlighting the limitations faced by state and local law enforcement in countering and mitigating drone activities without the necessary authority and advanced technology.
Murphy’s concerns, articulated in a separate letter to Congressional leaders, emphasized the urgency of reauthorizing the counter-UAS authority, which is crucial for enabling effective investigation and mitigation of drone activity. He urged Congress to empower state and local law enforcement with the ability to utilize advanced detection and mitigation technology, stressing the importance of these capabilities in understanding and responding to the ongoing situation. The lack of clear authority and advanced resources at the state and local level hinders the ability to effectively address the drone sightings and determine their nature and origin.
The increasing number of drone sightings has also drawn attention from former President Donald Trump, who, in a post on Truth Social, questioned the government’s awareness of the situation and suggested shooting down the drones if necessary. This comment, while reflecting public concern and frustration, highlights the growing demand for transparency and decisive action in addressing the ongoing drone activity. The situation continues to develop, with state and federal agencies working to determine the source and purpose of the drone flights and to implement effective measures to safeguard airspace and critical infrastructure. The ongoing investigation and calls for legislative action underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to address the escalating and increasingly perplexing phenomenon of unidentified drones operating in the northeastern United States.
