Following a string of enigmatic drones that have disrupted the sky in recent weeks, including causing a temporary shutdown at an airport over the weekend, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has asked that a drone detection device be brought to New York and New Jersey.
Two days after New York Stewart International Airport closed due to numerous drone sightings near it, Schumer made the request to the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday. He promoted Robin Radar Systems because of its “360-degree technology,” which he said has a higher probability of spotting drones than linear systems.
Many of the mysterious drones have been observed above New Jersey, but they have been seen throughout the Northeast.
Despite the number of sightings, Schumer made it “remarkable” that “we have more questions than answers.”
“There are a few tiny drones. Schumer noted that some of the drones’ flight patterns are unpredictable. “Multiple drones flying together can confuse a traditional radar system and that’s why, again, this new technology can really get us the answers that we need.”
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York called for federal assistance after the airport was shut down on Friday. The drone detection system is insufficient, she stated on Sunday.
Hochul remarked on X, “We need more, but I am grateful for the support.” “Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones.”
According to Hochul, the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act would empower state and local law enforcement agencies to combat drone activity while also bolstering the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulation of drones.
According to Schumer, only government authorities are currently legally permitted to detect drones. He stated that in order to give state and local law enforcement organizations more authority to employ software to identify unmanned aerial vehicles, he would also be advocating for legislation.
According to Schumer, it is extremely difficult to determine who is in charge of the drones because there is no mechanism in place for drone registration. However, any drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered, according to the FAA. How Schumer’s plans will differ from the current register is unclear.
“No one thinks they’re from a foreign government, and no one thinks they’re doing harm right now by tracking the patterns,” Schumer stated. “But we certainly want to first get the answers to the questions, and then we’ll take further action.”
A senior officer at the National Security Council stated that the FBI has launched an inquiry and sent out visual observation teams across New Jersey.
In an interview on ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday morning, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie claimed to have seen drones flying over his own house. As false information filled the void, he chastised officials for not responding to inquiries about the strange trend.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., was especially mentioned by him. He told Fox News that the drones were arriving from an Iranian “mothership” off the East Coast with phony information. The allegation was rejected by the Defense Department.
“You can’t have conspiracy theorists filling the space,” Christie stated. “But the Biden administration and state authorities have to be more vocal and let people know exactly what they re doing.”
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