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Concerns Over Drone Sightings on the East Coast Spark Investigation Calls

There has been a notable increase in reports of drone sightings along the East Coast, leading to a wave of anxious calls for inquiry from residents and state legislators. While these concerns have escalated, government officials emphasize that the drones are likely being operated legally, with experts suggesting the panic may be overstated.

The initial surge of drone sightings emerged last month in New Jersey, where locals began to notice drones in coastal areas, particularly around Cape May, a picturesque location near Atlantic City. This phenomenon has since spread, with lawmakers in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland also reporting new sightings. Some witnesses have described these drones as being “the size of cars,” and indicated they were spotted near crucial infrastructure or within restricted airspace.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy communicated his concerns directly to President Biden, advocating for additional federal support to examine the recent wave of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) reports. In his correspondence, Murphy expressed the need for greater resources to fully understand the implications of these activities.

Escalating Reactions to Drone Activity

Governor Murphy’s concerns have resonated with state lawmakers, some of whom have called for the intervention of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI in the investigation. One legislator has even suggested the drastic measure of shooting down the drones if necessary. “We are literally being invaded by drones,” stated Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herb, expressing frustration over the uncertainty regarding their origins.

Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut added to the dialogue by highlighting potential threats posed by the drones, questioning their ability to disrupt air traffic and expressing fears they could be used maliciously against national security.

Such comments have intensified a growing atmosphere of anxiety among the public. However, figures in law enforcement are clarifying that these fears may be largely unwarranted. John Kirby, a White House national security communications advisor, sought to quell concerns during a recent press briefing, asserting that there is currently no evidence indicating that the reported drones represent a threat to national security or public safety.

Retired Port Authority Police Detective Lieutenant John Ryan further commented on the situation, diagnosing the increase in reports as a reflection of both the rapid advancement of drone technology and the boom in their lawful operation across the U.S. in recent years. According to federal registration data, there are now over 790,000 registered drones in the country, including nearly 400,000 designated for commercial use, underscoring the sheer volume of legal drone activity.

Understanding the Landscape of Drone Regulation

Ryan emphasized that part of the confusion stemmed from residents approaching the wrong regulatory agencies for assistance. He pointed out that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the authority managing drone registration and monitoring their use. “In New Jersey, they’ve been asking the FBI, they’ve been asking the Department of Homeland Security — they’ve been asking everybody except the people that they should be asking,” Ryan explained.

The Pentagon supported this view, reassuring that initial assessments revealed no evidence linking the drones to foreign entities, and they were not shot down due to a lack of perceived threat. Kirby reiterated this point, indicating that a blanket ban on drone use in U.S. airspace is not currently under consideration.

The situation continues to develop, with local officials and residents grappling with the implications of increased drone activity in their airspace, while experts and government officials work to provide clarity amidst rising concerns.

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