NEW YORK — Federal lawmakers say they will push for new measures in Congress on Monday to track them the mysterious drones flying across the Tri-State area and the country.
Gov. Kathy Hochul says federal partners are deploying an advanced detection system in New York state.
This is how the ROBIN radar detection system works
On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is asking the Department of Homeland Security to deploy a detection system such as ROBIN.
“Which uses not a linear line of sight, but 360 degree technology that has a much better chance of detecting these drones. We are asking DHS to bring them to the New York-New Jersey area,” Schumer said.
“Would you consider banning their sale by some of the companies that make the drones?” CBS News New York’s Lisa Rozner asked New York’s senior senator.
“There are hundreds of companies around the world making drones. We don’t know which ones they are. This radar will help us find out which ones they are and then we can start talking to the companies,” Schumer said.
Rozner asked DHS if it would grant Schumer’s request for a new detection system. A representative responded by saying the agency only responds directly to congressional inquiries through “official channels.”
Hochul said Sunday that the state needs Congress to pass a bill that would give New York the authority to detect, track or even destroy unmanned aircraft systems. That legislation is stuck in committees, but Schumer’s office said that, with him now as co-sponsor, it could pass by the end of the year.
‘We must look carefully at the defense of our homeland’
On CBS’ Face the nationRepublican Congressman Mike Waltz of Florida said defense agencies are pointing fingers at each other and at President-elect Donald Trump.
‘We have to look carefully at the defense of our homeland. President Trump has spoken of an iron dome for America, which should include drones, not just hostile actions like hypersonic missiles. above the protection of U.S. airspace,” Waltz said.
The FBI says it has received about 5,000 tips about the plane sightingsand of these, less than 100 clues were deemed worthy of further investigation.
The DHS Secretary further said ABC this week that the agency is aware of “no foreign involvement”.
The Defense Department also said the military “may not conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the United States.”
‘I believe it is sabotage’
The South Bronx is now part of several places in the Northeast where clusters of drones have been spotted.
“They’re huge too, so I don’t know what’s going on,” said resident Jeff Garcia.
“I believe it’s sabotage because all of a sudden we’re getting all these drones from somewhere,” said resident Donna McCoy.
“Is it like you’re recording people? Or are they just sitting there looking at you?’ Added JJ Mines-Evans.
