Drone sightings, initially concentrated in New Jersey last month, have now been reported across the United States, sparking concerns among residents and prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Sightings have been reported along the East Coast, over military bases in the Midwest, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and now on the West Coast. Residents of Venice Beach, California, reported drone activity over the weekend, while Representative Paul Ruiz (D-Calif.) expressed concern about sightings in Coachella Valley.
READ: FAA Regulations: Can You Shoot Down A Drone? The Answer Is A Resounding No.
Military installations, including Camp Pendleton near San Diego and Hill Air Force Base in Utah, have also reported drone activity over their airspace in the past week. While operations at these bases were not impacted, the incidents highlight the growing prevalence of drones in various locations.
The widespread nature of these sightings, reminiscent of previous reports of mysterious drone swarms, has prompted lawmakers to raise alarms and advocate for stricter regulations governing the operation of unmanned aircraft.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently suggested that a change in FAA regulations may be contributing to the increased number of nighttime drone sightings.
READ: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Blocks Drone Tracking Bill, Citing Privacy Concerns
Speaking on ABC News’ This Week, Mayorkas pointed to a September 2023 FAA rule change that allows for nighttime drone flights. He also noted that there are over 800,000 registered drones in the U.S., with approximately 8,000 flights occurring daily.
While the FAA regulates drone use, including registration requirements and restrictions around airports and other sensitive locations, current federal regulations generally do not restrict flights over private residences.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.