Frustrated by a String of Mysterious Drone Sightings, Gov. Kathy Hochul Calls for Federal Assistance
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for federal assistance after another mysterious drone sighting temporarily shut down an airport Friday night, the latest in a string of incidents that have left authorities stumped. The incident occurred at Stewart International Airport, located about 60 miles north of New York City, when a drone was spotted in the area around 9:30pm. The airport shut down its runways for an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration alerted them to the sighting.
This is not an isolated incident, as there have been numerous reports of drone sightings in the state since mid-November. The latest incident is part of a series of unexplained events, with officials struggling to determine the origin and purpose of the mysterious drones.
Hochul expressed her frustration and called on the New York State Intelligence Center to probe the drone sighting incidents. She further urged the federal government to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and give more authority to state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate the activity.
The Federal Aviation Administration, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents, with the FBI receiving nearly 5,000 tips, but only a small percentage have generated credible leads. Authorities believe that many of the reported sightings may be misidentification of manned aircraft.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of critical infrastructure and individuals. The FAA has imposed temporary drone flight restrictions in certain areas, including near military bases and strategic locations.
As the situation remains unclear, Hochul has called on the federal government to step in and provide additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and security.