Mysterious Drones Temporarily Shut Down N.Y. Airport
Mysterious drones have caused chaos at the New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County, leading to the temporary shutdown of runways. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed frustration and called for federal assistance as the drones disrupted airport operations, prompting her to declare, “this has gone too far.”
The Federal Aviation Administration reported a drone sighting around 9:40 p.m. on Friday, leading to the closure of the runways for approximately an hour. Fortunately, the airport was able to resume operations by 10:45 p.m. without any impact on flight schedules.
Lawmakers and Experts React
The sightings of drones have not been limited to New York, as reports from neighboring states like New Jersey have also emerged, causing concern and confusion among officials and the public. Some lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have suggested using military intervention to address the issue. However, experts have cautioned against such actions due to safety risks and legal implications.
Governor Hochul has taken proactive measures by directing the New York State Intelligence Center to investigate the drone sightings in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies. She has also called on Congress to pass legislation that would enhance the authorities of state and local law enforcement to counter unauthorized drone activities.
White House Response and Reassurance from Officials
Despite the growing concerns surrounding the drone sightings, the White House has stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest a national security threat or foreign involvement in the incidents. Officials from various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, have emphasized that flying drones in U.S. airspace is not illegal, and many reported sightings may be misidentifications of manned aircraft.
In light of these developments, Governor Hochul’s efforts to address the drone issue have garnered support and attention from federal authorities, underscoring the importance of maintaining safety and security in the region.
As the investigation into the mysterious drone activity continues, the collaboration between state and federal agencies remains crucial to ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and the well-being of the public.
Minyvonne Burke, a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News, has been closely following the developments surrounding the drone incidents, providing valuable insights and updates to the public. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
