Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sought to alleviate mounting worries regarding recent drone sightings in the northeastern United States, assuring the public on Sunday that there is currently no known security threat as authorities closely monitor the situation.
The Biden administration has faced increasing scrutiny for its failure to clearly identify the origins of the mysterious objects reported over New York and New Jersey. This criticism has also emerged from within the Democratic Party, with Senator Chuck Schumer calling for improved collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities to detect and, if necessary, neutralize any threatening drones.
Social media has been inundated with video clips of unidentified aerial phenomena, with additional sightings reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those sightings are indeed drones, while others are manned aircraft often mistaken for drones," Mayorkas stated during an appearance on ABC's "This Week." He emphasized that there are over one million registered drones in the U.S. and reassured the public, saying, "We are on it."
Mayorkas noted, "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will inform the American public accordingly. As of now, we are not aware of any such threats."
In a separate incident, Boston police reported the arrest of two men from Massachusetts for allegedly engaging in a "hazardous drone operation" near Logan International Airport, with authorities still searching for a third suspect.
In a letter to Mayorkas, Schumer urged the Department of Homeland Security to deploy specialized drone-detection technology in New York and New Jersey, as traditional radar systems often struggle to detect smaller objects. He also advocated for legislation to empower local law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies in identifying and neutralizing drones that pose risks to critical facilities or large gatherings.
Jim Himes, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, expressed his frustration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its handling of the situation. "Simply stating 'we don't know' is insufficient," he told "Fox News Sunday," emphasizing that public anxiety could lead to misinformation and conspiracy theories. He called for the FAA to conduct public briefings.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby previously stated that the reported aircraft could be legally operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. While he confirmed that there is no known malicious activity, he acknowledged the need for enhanced authority to manage drone-related incidents.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that officials would be sending a drone detection system to her state, expressing gratitude for the support but insisting on the necessity for more robust legislative power to address drone issues directly.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal agencies to swiftly clarify the origins of the drones, stating on social media, "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!"
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