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Dante Raeburn
NY and NJ Lawmakers Demand Action Against Unidentified Drones in Airspace
Lawmakers in New Jersey and New York are voicing strong demands for federal action against the proliferation of unidentified drones in their airspace. Recent sightings have raised security concerns, prompting calls for local law enforcement to be allowed to shoot down these drones. Despite the increasing urgency, federal officials have downplayed the incidents, attributing them to misidentified aircraft, which has led to further frustration among local officials and residents.
Lawmakers in New Jersey and New York are increasingly vocal about their demands for federal authorities to address the issue of unidentified drones spotted in their airspace. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) called for the Pentagon to shoot down one of the nearly 1,000 drones observed since November 18, emphasizing the need for accountability and control over U.S. airspace. On the same day, New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged federal authorities to permit local police departments to take action against these drones, stating that the situation has escalated beyond acceptable limits.
The urgency of these demands follows disturbing incidents involving drones. Stewart International Airport was temporarily closed due to sightings, while New Jersey’s largest utility, PSE&G, requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prohibit all air traffic over its nuclear power plants. The situation has been further complicated by credible reports of drones following U.S. Coast Guard vessels, raising concerns about potential security threats.
Despite growing reports of aerial activity, federal responses have been dismissive, attributing sightings to misidentified aircraft. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby claimed that the drones were merely ordinary helicopters or small planes, a statement met with skepticism by local officials and constituents who believe these explanations do not align with the reality of the sightings.
The total number of reported drone sightings has reached 964 in New Jersey alone from mid-November to mid-December. Sightings have also been documented in New York City, with coordinated investigations by the NYPD, FBI, and local authorities. Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) expressed distrust in federal explanations regarding the origins of the drones, suggesting that they could be linked to foreign adversaries, specifically Iran or China.
Local officials articulated frustration over the federal government’s slow response, highlighting that the situation requires a robust investigation. Recommendations from federal investigators to local police agencies regarding drone removal have only added to concerns that local authorities are being pushed to handle a matter of significant national security without adequate support or resources. As reports of the continued presence of drones accumulate, public anxiety grows, compelling lawmakers to seek a firm resolution to this controversial issue.
The presence of unauthorized drones in airspace above New Jersey and New York has become a pressing concern for local officials, especially amidst reports of their proximity to sensitive sites, including airports and nuclear power plants. The lawmakers are urging federal authorities to take decisive action in light of numerous observed sightings that they believe could indicate greater security threats. The discourse surrounding these occurrences reflects a growing unease about airspace management and national security, especially given the backdrop of international tensions and recent incidents involving drone activity.
The mounting pressure from lawmakers in New Jersey and New York for federal authorities to take action regarding unidentified drones reflects growing local anxiety over airspace security and potential national threats. Despite repeated sightings and concerns raised by state officials, the federal response has been to downplay the situation, leading to frustration among those tasked with ensuring public safety. As scrutiny of airspace management increases, local officials continue to call for independent investigations and clearer policy guidelines.
Original Source: nypost.com
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