A wave of mysterious drone sightings has ignited swift federal action in New York, with Gov. Kathy Hochul announcing the deployment of a cutting-edge drone detection system to the state. This move comes after reports of unidentified aerial activity disrupted operations at Stewart International Airport and stirred public concern across the East Coast.
While Hochul expresses gratitude for federal assistance, she stresses the need for additional congressional action. “We are grateful to the Biden Administration for their support, but ultimately we need further assistance from Congress. Passing the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today,” she says.
The deployment of drone detection tech follows an incident last week when drone activity near Stewart Airport caused a one-hour runway shutdown. Similar reports have surfaced in neighboring states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and as far west as Ohio, where Wright-Patterson Air Force Base experienced a brief closure due to suspected drones.
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While local leaders push for stronger counter-drone measures, federal officials have downplayed the security risk. The White House stated that many reported sightings were likely manned airplanes mistaken for drones. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that the uptick in reports might stem from new regulations allowing nighttime drone operations, emphasizing that no foreign involvement or credible threat has been identified.
Despite these reassurances, public anxiety persists. “I think Americans are finding it hard to believe we can’t figure out where these are coming from,” says Rep. Mike Waltz, criticizing federal agencies for lacking clear answers.
Governor Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are among those demanding broader authority for local and state governments to address drone activity independently. Schumer called for similar detection systems to be deployed in New Jersey, where many sightings have been reported, and promised to push for legislation granting law enforcement greater investigative powers.
New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim joined the conversation, stating he observed the night sky with residents over the weekend. He noted that most sightings appeared to be planes based on flight tracking data, but he acknowledged the unease such incidents create.
As New York prepares to deploy its drone detection system, the debate over balancing technological advancement and public safety intensifies. Whether these incidents are the result of misidentifications, regulatory changes, or something more, one thing is clear: drones have captured the nation’s attention, demanding swift and decisive action.
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