New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the Biden administration for its mishandling of a mysterious drone crisis affecting the East Coast. She labeled the federal response as inadequate, stating the situation has “gone too far.”
The drones forced Stewart Airfield to close its airspace for over an hour last Friday. Hochul called on the federal government to intervene, emphasizing the urgency of the issue in a public statement.
Lawmakers Demand Action
A group of lawmakers, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker, and Andy Kim, sent a letter to federal agencies. They urged the FBI, FAA, and Homeland Security to clarify the source and purpose of the drones.
Their letter highlighted alarming nighttime drone sightings in New York City and New Jersey since November. The senators expressed concerns about potential safety and security risks, particularly after similar incidents at military sites.
The letter demanded an urgent briefing, but federal officials have so far maintained that the drones pose no public safety or national security threats.
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Frustration Grows Among Public and Officials
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy described the drones as “very sophisticated.” He noted their ability to disappear once detected. Murphy shared his frustration, saying he spent much of Sunday coordinating with the White House and Homeland Security to address the problem.
Hochul echoed these concerns, revealing she had been seeking answers for a month. She urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This legislation would expand drone countermeasures and improve oversight by the FAA.
Eyewitness Reports Multiply
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim shared his personal experience observing the drones with local police. He described seeing lights moving low over the tree line, sometimes flashing red and green.
Using a flight tracker app, Kim ruled out the possibility of the lights being regular aircraft. He reported seeing up to seven drones at a time, noting they only appear at night and vanish before dawn.
Local police corroborated Kim’s account, stating that drones have been spotted every evening for weeks.
White House and Homeland Security Defend Stance
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby attempted to reassure the public. He insisted the drones posed no threat but admitted some reports remain unverified.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the decision not to neutralize the drones. He stated that the government lacks the authority to shoot them down.
Despite these assurances, public frustration continues to grow. The FBI has received over 3,000 tips about the drones, with sightings reported across 12 counties in New Jersey, as well as parts of Pennsylvania and New York.
Calls for Accountability
Hochul, Murphy, and other lawmakers are demanding swift action. Hochul urged federal agencies to collaborate with state law enforcement to resolve the issue.
As the drones continue to baffle residents and officials, pressure is mounting on the Biden administration to provide answers. For now, the origins and purpose of the drones remain a mystery, leaving communities on edge.
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