NEW WINDSOR, NY — Drone activity caused the runways at New York’s Stewart Airfield to be closed Friday evening, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“Last night, the runways at Stewart Airfield were closed for approximately one hour due to drone activity in the airspace. This is going too far,” Hochul said in a statement released Saturday morning.
Hochul’s statement echoes a growing frustration among Tri-State Area lawmakers demanding answers from the federal government about the origins of the drones numerous reports of them flying over New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
White House officials have deemed the suspected threats from the drones as “not credible” and said many sightings are likely only of aircraft.
Growing frustration with drones
Local officials have expressed concerns about the federal response, especially after drones were reported over New York City.
“The people of Staten Island deserve answers, and the people of this city, state and region deserve answers about what the hell is going on,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said.
Hochul’s statement Saturday also called on federal lawmakers to pass a law strengthening the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of drones:
“In mid-November, I directed the New York State Intelligence Center to actively investigate drone sightings and coordinate with federal law enforcement to address this issue, and those efforts are ongoing. But to enable state law enforcement to work on this issue, I now call on Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This bill would reform legal authorities to counter UAS and strengthen FAA oversight of drones, and would expand counter-UAS activities to select states and countries. local law enforcement agencies.”
“Extending these powers to New York State and our colleagues is essential. Until these powers are granted to state and local officials, the Biden administration must intervene by sending additional federal law enforcement to New York and the surrounding region to ensure the safety of our citizens. critical infrastructure and our people.”
New Jersey Representative Chris Smith scheduled a press conference Saturday to provide an update on the drone activity in Seaside Heights. Smith said he also plans to unveil new federal legislation to address the problem.
It comes after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy sent a letter to President Bidenasking for help from the federal government in tackling the drones.
“While I am sincerely grateful for your administration’s leadership in addressing this troubling issue, it has become clear that more resources are needed to fully understand what is behind this activity,” Murphy wrote.
Drone sightings have also been reported in Pennsylvania and other cities along the east coast.
Zinnia Maldonado contributed to this report.
