New York’s Staten Island. Following reports of mysterious drone sightings throughout New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul announced in a statement that the federal government is implementing a new, cutting-edge drone detection technology.
In the same press release, Hochul urged Congress to enact the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would give New York and its allies the power and funding to address modern situations like these.
In order to solve the problem, Hochul already ordered the New York State Intelligence Center to actively look into drone sightings and work with federal law enforcement.
Our federal partners are sending a cutting-edge drone detection system to New York State in response to my requests for more resources. According to Hochul, this technology will aid federal and state law enforcement in their investigations. Although we appreciate the Biden Administration’s support, we ultimately require additional help from Congress. By passing the Counter-UAS power Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, we will provide our peers and New York with the resources and power needed to address situations similar to the ones we are seeing today.
Several requests for comment regarding the operation of the drone detecting system were not answered by Hochul’s office. The statement did not expressly name any federal agencies.
Hochul’s statement was released the morning after Stewart Airfield’s runways were closed for about an hour on Saturday because of drone activity in the airspace.
As part of her push for Congress to enact the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, Hochul ordered the New York State Intelligence Center to actively look into drone sightings and work with federal law enforcement to solve this issue in the state in mid-November.
If approved, the measure will tighten the FAA’s drone monitoring, expand counter-UAS operations to specific law enforcement agencies, and modify legal authorities to combat UAS.
Drone sightings in region
Drones the size of SUVs have been spotted in the skies for weeks, according to reports from both officials and citizens. These mysterious drones have been observed in several states, including New Jersey, and on Staten Island.
Hochul said on social media on Friday that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are among the federal partners with which New York authorities are collaborating. She stated on X that the goal of the coordination is to safeguard New Yorkers.
Hochul asserts in that same post that there is no proof that these drones represent a threat to national security or public safety.
We are looking into reports that people in New York have seen drones in the sky this week. There is currently no proof that these drones represent a threat to national security or public safety.To protect New Yorkers, we are working with federal partners including the FBI and DHSgov.
Local Staten Island lawmakers gathered in Fort Wadsworthon Park Friday to demand answers and an NYPD probe while local governors went about their business.
Borough President Vito Fossella stated, “Take the initiative, be honest and truthful with the American people, the people of Staten Island, and solve this problem once and for all.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet implemented air restrictions over Staten Island or other areas of New York City, despite reports of drones flying over military sites like Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton. The FAA has imposed aviation limitations on New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club in response to the drone sightings.
A request for comment has been forwarded by the NYPD to federal authorities, who have dismissed the public’s worries.
According to White House national security communications adviser John Kirby, a large portion of reported drone sightings are actually people mistaking lawfully functioning manned aircraft, Kirby said Thursday.
In addition, Kirby disputes military officials’ claims that there have been any sightings in any restricted airspace, as NJ.com reports.
According to Rep. Nicole Mallitoakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), our government is not disclosing who is using the drones or why. All we’re asking is that you just tell us what’s happening and be honest with us.
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