Legislators who included newly elected U.S. Sen. Andy Kim and Sen. Cory Booker have sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – among other agencies – requesting with “urgent concern” an immediate briefing from federal agencies on recent mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and New York.
Along with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the letter went to administrator Michael Whitaker of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray on Dec. 11.
“As you know, since late November, communities in the New York City area and northern New Jersey have reported several incidents of unattributable drone sightings at night, alarming both residents and local law enforcement,” the letter stated. “… In addition to potential privacy concerns raised by these aerial systems, we are also especially concerned about how these drones may harm public safety, especially given recent reports that a medivac helicopter was prevented from transporting a seriously injured patient for care because of the presence of these drones.
“The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year,” the letter added.
“Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy, as well as military assets and personnel, will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch.”
Booker and Kim were joined in the letter by U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer of New York, who requested a federal response no later than Dec. 23. U.S. and New Jersey homeland security officials have told legislators there “is no known threat” from the drones, but as assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin observed, “there was also no explanation given for the increased sightings.”
“Like most residents, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I want answers as soon as possible, and we will continue to press federal authorities for additional information.”
