Mysterious Drones Shut Down New York Airport Runways, Frustrating Governor
Airport Closure Due to Drone Activity
The New York Stewart International Airport was forced to close its runways on Friday night for about an hour due to "drone activity in the airspace," according to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The airport received a report of a drone sighting from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) around 9:40 p.m. Friday, and the runways reopened at 10:45 p.m.
Governor Calls for Federal Assistance and Investigation
Hochul has directed the New York State Intelligence Center to actively investigate the sightings and coordinate with federal law enforcement to address the drones. She has also called for the passage of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would reform legal authorities to counter-UAS and strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones.
Federal Response and Expert Opinions
The White House has stated that there is "no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus." Officials have suggested that the drones flying over New Jersey in recent weeks appear to be commercial-grade and not recreational.
During an interagency background call, a Department of Homeland Security official reiterated that there is no "evidence that there’s a threat to public safety." An FAA official stated that it is not illegal to fly drones in U.S. airspace, and an official with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said there has been a "slight overreaction" to the drone sightings.
Conclusion
The mysterious drones have been spotted over New York, New Jersey, and other states in the Northeast, causing concern and confusion. While the federal government has downplayed the threat, the situation has led to calls for action from lawmakers and the public. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at the New York Stewart International Airport?
A: The airport was forced to close its runways for about an hour due to "drone activity in the airspace."
Q: What is the government’s response to the drone sightings?
A: The White House has stated that there is no evidence of a national security or public safety threat, and officials have suggested that the drones appear to be commercial-grade and not recreational.
Q: Is it illegal to fly drones in U.S. airspace?
A: No, it is not illegal to fly drones in U.S. airspace, according to the FAA.
