In the eastern U.S., more suspected drone sightings resulted in temporary airspace closures at an Air Force base in Ohio and arrests near Boston’s Logan International Airport. Elected officials are increasing their efforts to identify and stop these mysterious unmanned flights.
Drones spotted flying around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio led base officials to close the airspace for about four hours over the weekend. This was the first time drones were seen at the base, and no further sightings have been reported since. In Boston, two men were arrested for operating a drone in close proximity to Logan Airport. A third man escaped police and remains at large. The two arrested individuals are facing trespassing charges and could potentially face additional fines.
Boston police are urging drone operators to follow federal safety guidelines, emphasizing the significant risks drones pose to aircraft and helicopters. National security officials have stated that the recent drone sightings do not appear to be linked to foreign interference or pose a public safety threat. However, the uncertainty surrounding the responsible parties and how to address these drone activities has prompted calls from political leaders for improved technology and enforcement powers.
Representative Jim Himes and Senator Chuck Schumer have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on the drone issue and are demanding better drone-tracking technology. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that federal officials would be sending a drone detection system to the state to address public concerns.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas assured the public that authorities are actively investigating the drone sightings and working closely with state and local agencies. Some reported drone sightings in New York and New Jersey have turned out to be misidentified manned aircraft, with no confirmed foreign involvement. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey joined law enforcement in efforts to locate and identify drones in the region.
“The public deserves clear answers — we will continue to press the federal government for further information and resources,” he stated, mentioning that the FBI had briefed him regarding the sightings in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Federal aviation authorities have mandated that specific drones must broadcast their remote identification, including the position of their operators, since last year. However, it remains uncertain whether this information has been utilized to ascertain the individuals responsible for the drones causing disturbances in the skies over New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office did not respond to queries regarding whether they have successfully identified drones utilizing this capability.
In recent weeks, numerous mysterious nighttime flights have been observed over various parts of New Jersey, prompting concerns among residents and officials alike. The apprehension was particularly heightened by the fact that the flying objects were initially spotted in close proximity to the Picatinny Arsenal, a prominent U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, as well as over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Trisha Bushey, a resident of Clinton Township, New Jersey, located approximately 30 miles south of the Picatinny Arsenal, initially downplayed the significance of the flights. However, as they persisted night after night in the same locations, her unease grew. She initially speculated that the sightings might be related to military exercises, but official statements ruling out military involvement only served to escalate concerns.
“As soon as they confirmed that these drones were neither of foreign origin nor affiliated with our military, and yet the source remained unknown and purportedly non-threatening, that’s when the situation truly became worrisome,” Bushey shared with The Associated Press. Reports of drone sightings have since emerged across the northeastern United States.
In response to the escalating concerns, certain political figures, including President Trump, have advocated for more robust measures against the drones, including the possibility of shooting them down. Mayorkas highlighted that specific agencies within the Department of Homeland Security possess the authority to “incapacitate” drones, emphasizing the need for expanded jurisdiction in this regard.
