Unidentified drones were causing safety and security fears in the US Northeast over the weekend, prompting New York’s governor to ask for federal help as President-elect Donald Trump suggested shooting down the devices.
“This goes too far,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement Saturday. ,
The Port Authority of New York confirmed the temporary closure to AFP, saying the halt at Stewart was “followed by a report from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) about drone sightings at the airport.” Air traffic was not affected.
For several weeks now, residents of both New York and neighboring New Jersey, the US East Coast, have been reporting flights of large unidentified drones, a phenomenon that has only fueled concerns – especially since local and national authorities have been concerned about its origins. I have not given any answer. equipment.
Video footage of the mysterious aerial devices has blocked social media platforms, and some elected officials have criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for alleged inaction.
On Thursday, John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, tried to reassure that there was “no evidence” of a threat, saying they could be legally operated small planes or manned aircraft, including helicopters.
Some legislators, such as Republican Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, have raised the possibility of threats from a foreign state such as Russia or China, without citing evidence to support the claim.
On Friday, Trump jumped into the fray in a provocative manner.
“Mysterious drones seen all over the country. Can this really happen without our government’s knowledge,” he posted on his Truth social media platform. “I don’t think so! Tell the public now. Otherwise, shoot them!!!”
Governor Hochul, for her part, is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would expand capabilities to counter so-called unmanned aircraft systems and “strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones.”