The federal government’s response to mysterious drone sightings sparks cross-party criticism

CNN
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Lawmakers from across the political spectrum criticized the federal government’s response to mysterious drone sightings in the northeast on Sunday, as officials stressed there was no evidence of a security threat.

The criticism came a day after federal authorities leading the response held a news conference that left reporters and the public with more questions than answers as they downplayed while legitimizing concerns about the reported drones.

Department of Homeland Security and FBI officials made attempts to dismiss or explain the source of the reported sightings, but also acknowledged their unusual nature. An FBI official pointed to similarities between flight patterns and the drone sightings, saying it was “an indication that manned aviation is often confused with unmanned aviation, or UAS,” referring to unmanned aircraft systems. However, the official added: “Without a doubt – beyond a shadow of a doubt – UAS have flown over the state of New Jersey.”

“We don’t know if it is malicious or criminal. But I’m telling you it’s irresponsible,” a Defense Department official said while discussing reports of drones over two military sites in New Jersey.

Republican Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, expressed particular concern about drones reported over military sites and restricted airspace, including near Trump’s home in Bedminster, New Jersey.

“I think what the drone issue highlights are certain gaps in our agencies, gaps in our agencies, between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement and the Department of Defense,” he told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “It points to gaps in our capabilities and our ability to address what is going on here. We need to get to the bottom of this, and I think the Biden administration is working on that.”

Democratic Rep. Jim Himes, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, also expressed frustration with the administration’s response to the public. “The government has a real responsibility to disseminate more information so that people better understand the real dangers,” he said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar also called for transparency from the federal government and possible federal legislation on the issue. “First, we need a briefing for members of the Senate to find out what is going on here. Second, we need more transparency,” the Minnesota Democrat said on “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

She added that “new regulatory rules” were also needed and hinted that she might raise the issue in the next Congress.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday sought to reassure the public about the sightings.

“There’s no question that people see drones. And I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel and technology to assist the New Jersey State Police in dealing with the drone sightings,” he said on ABC News’ “This Week.”

Mayorkas reiterated that officials were not aware of any direct national security concerns related to the drone sightings. “We are not aware of any foreign involvement in the sightings in the northeast and we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” he said, adding that officials will notify the public if the situation changes.

Mayorkas spoke to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul twice on Saturday about the drone activity, according to a source familiar with the conversations. Hochul, a Democrat, announced Sunday that federal authorities are deploying an “advanced drone detection system” in her state.

As concern over the sightings has grown over the past week, politicians from both parties are calling on authorities to take more action.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday that he had sent a letter to Mayorkas calling on Homeland Security to use specialized technology to detect drones, such as a 360-degree radar called Robin.

“If you see a drone in the air over your house, you shouldn’t have to shake an eight-ball to see what it is,” the New York Democrat said in a news conference. “There should be better technology. And there is. We need this technology here in New York as quickly as possible.”

Schumer also announced he would support legislation that would give local governments more drone detection tools. “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 combat the epidemic of nonstop drone sightings, we should do everything we can to help.”

Trump said Friday that the government needed to provide more information and shoot down the drones.

“Mysterious drone sightings across the country. Can this really happen without our government’s knowledge? I do not believe that! Inform the public, now. Otherwise shoot her 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, also said Thursday that the plane “should be shot down if necessary because it is flying over sensitive areas.”

Asked Sunday about the president-elect’s post calling on the government to shoot down the drones, Mayorkas said: “Our authority is limited.”

“We have certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security and outside of our department that can do that, but we also need an expansion of those powers,” he added after calling on Congress to expand the federal government’s powers – particularly to address the to strengthen local authorities Authorities should counteract drone activities under federal supervision.

Himes said Sunday that he is “confident” that the mysterious drones making headlines are not a foreign threat from Iran or China, which is not “a bunch of drones that we could easily recover over the.” would station in the continental United States.”

He said inadequate communication from government agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration has led to the spread of misinformation.

“A lot of us are pretty frustrated right now,” the Connecticut Democrat said. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer. When people are anxious, when people are nervous…people fill a vacuum with their fears and anxieties.”

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Sarah Davis, Sam Fossum, Samantha Waldenberg, Aaron Pellish, Gloria Pazmino, Betsy Klein, Zoe Sottile, Josh Campbell, Artemis Moshtaghian and Michelle Watson contributed to this report.