New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for urgent federal intervention after drone activity temporarily shut down operations at Stewart International Airport on Friday evening.
This incident is part of a growing trend of mysterious drone sightings across the United States, which has raised public concern and prompted demands for stronger oversight and enforcement.
Governor Hochul issued a statement highlighting the severity of the situation after the airport’s runways were closed for about an hour due to drone activity.
“Last night, the runways at Stewart Airfield were shut down for approximately one hour due to drone activity in the airspace. This has gone too far,” Hochul declared, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the escalating issue.
Despite the increasing number of reports, federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, have stated that they have not yet identified a national security threat associated with these drone sightings, at least in the case of New Jersey.
However, Hochul is not satisfied with the federal response so far. She noted that in November, she directed the New York State Intelligence Center to actively investigate drone activity and collaborate with federal agencies.
Governor Hochul urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, a bill designed to enhance legal frameworks for managing unauthorized drone activity.
“This bill would reform legal authorities to counter-UAS and strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones,” Hochul explained. “It would also extend counter-UAS activities to select state and local law enforcement agencies.”
The governor further argued that states need more autonomy to address this pressing issue.
“Extending these powers to New York State and our peers is essential,” Hochul said. “Until those powers are granted to state and local officials, the Biden Administration must step in by directing additional federal law enforcement to New York and the surrounding region to ensure the safety of our critical infrastructure and our people.”
Drone activity has been reported not only in New York City and Long Island but also in neighboring states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. These incidents have alarmed citizens and authorities alike.
In New Jersey, a law enforcement officer reported seeing over 50 drones near the coastline.
“We contacted state police. We contacted the FBI. We contacted the Coast Guard, at which point the Coast Guard went out with their boat and they reported seeing 13 drones following their boat,” said Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “The Coast Guard also advised that they went over them about 300 feet and had a wingspan of about eight feet.”
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby dismissed over 3,000 reported sightings of “car-sized drones,” attributing them to mistaken observations of helicopters or airplanes. Kirby’s statements contradict the admissions from military personnel, further fueling skepticism about the administration’s handling of the issue.
🚨 JUST IN: Joe Biden is “NOT READY” to order drone takedowns, John Kirby says
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2024
Meanwhile, Trump says SHOOT DOWN THE DRONES if they can’t be identified.
KIRBY: “We know people are afraid. We know people have concerns. We have those same concerns.”
Kirby said not even drones… pic.twitter.com/SdN89SDTEC
President-elect Donald Trump has also commented on the situation, taking a more aggressive stance. Trump suggested that the drones should be shot down if the federal government cannot explain their purpose or origins.
“The administration needs to take control of this situation immediately,” Trump said in a recent statement. “If they don’t know what these drones are doing, we should take them down.”
The recent events have added to mounting pressure on the Biden-Harris administration to provide clarity and take decisive action. As drone sightings continue to disrupt critical infrastructure and spark public anxiety, state and federal agencies must work together to address the issue effectively.
Governor Hochul’s demand for enhanced legislative tools and immediate federal involvement underscores the urgency of the matter, highlighting the need to protect public safety and national security in an increasingly drone-populated world.