Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has requested the deployment of “special detection systems” in New York and New Jersey to identify the recent drone sightings in the region. Schumer claimed that Robin Radar Systems has a better chance of detecting drones due to its 360-degree technology. This request comes after a series of reported drone sightings, including one that caused a New York airport to shut down.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that the federal government is deploying additional resources to address the drone sightings and assured the public that no foreign involvement or criminal activity has been identified. However, President-elect Donald Trump expressed skepticism on social media, questioning whether the government is aware of the situation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a new drone detection system would be deployed in her state, and Representative Nicole Malliotakis called for transparency from the federal government regarding the situation. Representative James Himes criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for failing to explain that the large number of commercial, private, and military aircraft flying over New Jersey could be confused with drones.
Some conspiracy theories have emerged, suggesting that foreign governments or unknown entities are involved in the drone sightings. However, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have stated that most sightings appear to be cases of mistaken identity, with reports of manned aircraft or facilities mistaken for drones.
Electronic and software engineering expert Harry Direen noted that once people become suspicious of drones, they assume any unidentified aircraft is a drone.