Additional Coverage:
- The FBI and Homeland Security say they want more authority to deal with drones amid strange East Coast sightings (newsbreak.com)
Drone Sightings Puzzle Authorities
Unexplained drone sightings have plagued the eastern US in recent weeks, leaving authorities puzzled. Officials are investigating the aircraft, but many have turned out to be crewed planes.
Agencies Seek More Power
Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and FBI, say they need more authority to address the drone threat. They argue that current laws limit their ability to respond to sightings.
Legislation Under Consideration
Bipartisan legislation is pending in Congress that would expand federal agencies’ oversight of drones. The bill would provide DHS and state and local authorities with tools to mitigate potential threats at airports and critical infrastructure.
Military Constraints
The military is also restricted in its response to drone flights off-base. They must coordinate with local and federal law enforcement to take action.
Ongoing Investigations
The FBI acknowledges that some drone activity over New Jersey remains unexplained. While most sightings involve crewed aircraft, the agency is investigating the origin of the remaining drones.
Confusion Abounds
The East Coast drone saga has caused confusion among civilians and officials. However, federal agencies emphasize that the majority of reported sightings are not a public safety threat.