Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deploy “special detection systems” in New York and New Jersey following a surge of drone sightings that have raised concerns among residents. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Schumer advocated for the use of Robin Radar Systems, a technology known for its “360-degree” drone detection capabilities.
Schumer’s plea comes after several drone sightings were reported in recent weeks, including one incident that forced Stewart International Airport, 60 miles north of New York City, to temporarily close its runways Friday night.
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“We’ve seen sightings in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, and Staten Island,” Schumer said. “It’s remarkable that with all these sightings, we still have more questions than answers. If drones can make it into the sky, we should have the technology to track them with precision.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed Sunday that the federal government is deploying additional resources, including personnel and advanced technology, to assist New Jersey law enforcement in addressing the drone incidents.
“There’s no question that people are seeing drones,” Mayorkas said during an interview on ABC News’ This Week. “We are actively investigating and will communicate with the public if there is any foreign involvement or criminal activity. At this time, we have no evidence of such connections.”
Mayorkas also noted that over 1 million drones are registered in the U.S., underscoring the challenge of tracking and managing drone activity. Last week, a Chinese national was arrested for allegedly flying a drone over restricted airspace at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, further heightening concerns about drone security.
READ: Trump Weighs In On New Jersey Mystery Drone Sightings With Humor And Criticism
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that a state-of-the-art drone detection system will be deployed in New York. She emphasized that the new system, implemented with federal support, will assist state and federal law enforcement agencies in their investigations.
“In response to my calls for additional resources, our federal partners are deploying a new detection system to New York,” Hochul said, though she provided no details about the system’s specifications or deployment timeline.
The sightings have sparked widespread concern among residents and criticism from lawmakers, with some questioning the federal government’s transparency. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York) has accused the Biden administration of withholding information.
“The federal government knows exactly what’s going on,” Malliotakis claimed during a Sunday interview on Newsmax. “We’re getting zero answers, and the lack of transparency is fueling more anxiety.”
Conversely, Representative James Himes (D-Connecticut) dismissed conspiracy theories during an interview with Fox News Sunday, urging the public to remain grounded.
READ: Illinois Democrat Urges Biden Admin For Transparency On Drone Sightings, Warns Of CCP Risks
“Let me be clear: this is not the Iranians, the Chinese, or Martians,” Himes said. “I know that’s unsatisfying for those expecting a Hollywood story, but the reality is less dramatic.”
Over the past month, residents in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland have reported unusual lights in the sky, often described as clusters of drones hovering over populated areas. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has noted that drone-like sightings can sometimes be mistaken for commercial or military aircraft, the unexplained incidents have fueled public speculation.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy Friday, writing on social media: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so!”
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby stated last week that the sightings do not appear to pose a national security threat or have any confirmed foreign links. However, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are collaborating with local law enforcement to investigate the matter further.
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