CNN
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Lawmakers across the political spectrum criticized the federal government’s response to mysterious drone sightings in the Northeast on Sunday, even as officials insisted there was no evidence of a security threat.
The criticism came a day after the federal agency leading the response held a press conference that downplayed but justified reported concerns about drones, leaving reporters and the public with more questions than answers. Ta.
Homeland Security and FBI officials, while acknowledging the unusual nature of the sightings, have proposed attempts to dismiss or explain the sources of the reported sightings. FBI officials noted similarities in flight patterns and drone sightings, which they said “demonstrate that manned aviation is frequently mistaken for unmanned aerial vehicles or UAS,” referring to unmanned aircraft systems. That said, the official added, “Without a doubt, without question, unmanned aircraft were flying over New Jersey.”
“I don’t know if it’s malicious or criminal. But let me tell you… it’s irresponsible,” a Pentagon official said. He said this while discussing the plane’s report.
Rep. Mike Walz, Republican of Florida, who is President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, said the drones have been reported over military sites and restricted airspace, including near President Trump’s home in Bedminster, New Jersey. was viewed as a particular problem.
“The drone issue points to gaps in our agency, between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, and the Department of Defense,” he said Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” I think it’s like a gap between the two.” . “This shows that there is a gap in our ability and our ability to police what’s going on here. We need to get to the bottom of it, and I think the Biden administration is working to do that.” .”
Democratic Rep. Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, also expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s response to the public. “The government has a real responsibility to release more information so people can better understand what the real risks are,” he said on “Fox News Sunday.”
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar also called for federal transparency and possible federal legislation on the issue. “One, we need a briefing for senators to understand what’s going on here. Two, we need more transparency,” the Minnesota Democratic Party said Sunday. He spoke on “Face the Nation.”
He added that “new regulatory rules” were also needed and suggested the issue could be taken up in the next parliament.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas sought to reassure the public amid reports of sightings.
“There is no question that people are seeing drones, and I want to reassure the American people that as a federal government, we are providing additional resources, personnel, and technology to assist the New Jersey State Police in responding to drone sightings. I want to assure you that we’re investing,” he said on ABC News’ “This Week.”
Mayorkas reiterated that authorities are not aware of any immediate national security concerns related to drone sightings. “We are not aware of any foreign involvement regarding the sightings in the northeast. We are vigilant in investigating this matter,” he said, adding that authorities would notify the public if the situation changes.
Mr. Mayorkas spoke twice on Saturday with New York Gov. Cathy Hochul about drone activity, according to a person familiar with the conversations. Hochul, a Democrat, announced Sunday that federal authorities are installing a “state-of-the-art drone detection system” in the state.
Concerns about the sightings have grown over the past week, with politicians from both parties calling on authorities to do more.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday that he had sent a letter to Mayorkas urging the Department of Homeland Security to deploy specialized drone detection technology, including a 360-degree radar called Robin.
“If you see a drone over your home, you don’t have to roll the eight-ball to see what it is,” the New York Democratic Party said at a press conference. “There has to be a better technology. And there is. We urgently need that technology here in New York.”
Schumer also announced he would co-sponsor a bill that would give local governments more tools for drone detection. “Local officials are trying to find answers to this serious problem with their hands tied behind their backs,” he said. “If the federal government has the technology to deal with the continuing proliferation of drone sightings, we should do everything in our power to help.”
President Trump said Friday that the government needs to communicate more information and shoot down drones.
“Mysterious drones have been seen all over the country. Is this really happening without the government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! It’s time to let the people know, or shoot them down. !!!” the president-elect posted on Truth Social.
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who sits on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, similarly said Thursday that the plane was “flying over sensitive territory and should be shot down if necessary.” ” he said.
“There are limits to our authority,” Mayorkas said Sunday when asked about the president-elect’s post calling for the government to shoot down drones.
After calling on Congress to expand the federal government’s powers, he said, “There are certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security and outside the department that can do that, but we need to expand those powers as well.” Additionally, the agency asked Congress to expand federal authority to specifically empower local governments to combat drone activity under federal oversight.
Himes said Sunday that he is “confident” that the mysterious drones that have captured the headlines are not a foreign threat from Iran or China, saying they are “in the skies over the U.S. mainland that we can easily retrieve.” It is unlikely that Japan will fly such large numbers of drones.
He said insufficient communication from government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration led to the spread of misinformation.
“A lot of us are pretty frustrated right now,” the Connecticut Democrat said. “‘I don’t know’ is not a good enough answer. When people are anxious, when they’re nervous, they fill in the blanks with fear and anxiety.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Sarah Davis, Sam Fossum, Samantha Woldenberg, Aaron Perish, Gloria Pazmino, Betsy Klein, Zoe Sottil, Josh Campbell, Artemis Moshtagian and Michelle Watson contributed to this report.
