Governors demand drone crackdown amid security concerns
The governors of New York and New Jersey have called on the US authorities to investigate suspicious drone activity near significant facilities. According to the FAA, nearly one million drones are registered in the US.
Stewart International Airport, located about 97 kilometres from New York City, was forced to close its runways for an hour after a drone was spotted.
- This has gone too far - assessed New York Governor Kathy Hochul, calling for the state intelligence centre to investigate the incidents. The governor also urged the US Congress to enact legislation to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and grant more authority to local law enforcement agencies.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed surprise that the federal government lacks sufficient information about drones flying over his state.
Reports have emerged about drones near sensitive facilities, including military bases, with suggestions that they may have been sent by Iran.
Out of thousands of reports, fewer than 100 contained credible information
The FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions for drones over Picatinny Arsenal and Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
An FBI agent noted that out of nearly 5,000 reports, fewer than 100 contained credible information for further investigation. An FAA official confirmed that drones were flying over New Jersey.
A representative of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that "highly trained security personnel" reported drone sightings near Picatinny Arsenal and Earle Naval Weapons Station but does not believe the flights were linked to foreign entities.
Bloomberg reported the White House's position that "There is no evidence that mysterious drones sighted in the eastern US present a threat to national security or to public safety".
An FAA official explained that operating a drone is legal in most locations, provided flight height and safety regulations are followed.
