Reason for the Mysterious Drones: Rule Change by FAA

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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas offered a possible explanation for the recent surge in drone sightings along the Eastern Seaboard, particularly over New Jersey.

Speaking to ABC News’ This Week on Sunday, Mayorkas suggested that the increase may be tied to a regulatory change by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The sightings have sparked widespread concern among residents, lawmakers, and conspiracy theorists, prompting calls for greater transparency and action from federal authorities.

FAA Rule Change and Increased Drone Visibility

FAA Rule Change and Increased Drone Visibility

“In September 2023, the FAA changed the rules to allow drones to fly at night,” Mayorkas explained. “That may be one of the reasons why people are now seeing more drones than they did before, especially during the hours from dusk to dawn.”

The timing of this rule change coincides with a wave of reports across New Jersey and nearby states, raising speculation about whether the new regulations inadvertently contributed to public alarm. The FBI reports receiving over 3,000 tips about drone activity in recent weeks, most of which occurred at night. However, many of these sightings have turned out to be misidentified airplanes or other routine aircraft operations, as confirmed by video analysis shared on social media.

Despite these false alarms, Mayorkas acknowledged, “There’s no question that drones are being sighted.” He noted that thousands of drones fly across the U.S. every day, with over one million drones currently registered nationwide.

Learn more: How Many Drones Are Registered in the U.S.?

Law Enforcement Efforts and Security Assurances

While authorities have yet to pinpoint the exact origins of the sightings, the FBI and Homeland Security issued a joint statement last Thursday asserting that there is “no evidence at this time” linking the reported drone activity to a national security threat, public safety concern, or foreign actors. Mayorkas reiterated this point on Sunday, emphasizing that the federal government is taking the issue seriously and has deployed additional resources, personnel, and technology to assist the New Jersey State Police and other agencies.

“I want to assure the American public that we are actively working to address these sightings,” Mayorkas said, adding that advanced tools, including high-tech drone detection systems, are being considered.

However, this assurance has not quelled public anxiety, particularly after the recent shutdown of runways at New York Stewart International Airport due to a nearby drone sighting. The incident lasted an hour and underscored the disruptive potential of these aerial devices.

Political Responses and Calls for Action

The unexplained sightings have drawn significant attention from lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday that he had formally requested Mayorkas to deploy a special drone-detection system in New York and New Jersey. This system, according to Schumer, includes 360-degree technology that significantly improves the chances of detecting drones, even in complex airspaces.

“I’m pushing for answers amid these drone sightings,” Schumer said. “It’s remarkable that we have more questions than answers at this stage.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also confirmed federal readiness to deploy high-tech detection systems in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, while continuing to press for greater federal involvement.

Conspiracy Theories and Public Skepticism

The federal response has sparked criticism and conspiracy theories from some quarters, with accusations of government dishonesty gaining traction on social media and in political circles. New Jersey Assemblyman Erik Peterson voiced frustration with the lack of clarity, telling CNN, “They’re lying to us. First, they say you’re not seeing what you’re seeing. Then they say they don’t know what’s happening. It’s all a lie.”

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) went further, suggesting that the federal government itself was behind the drones. “The government is in control of the drones and refuses to tell the American people what is going on. It really is that bad,” Greene wrote on X.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting that the mysterious drones should be shot down if their origins remain unclear. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT.”

Mayorkas and Hochul Push for Expanded Authority

Addressing these concerns, Mayorkas acknowledged that his department lacks the authority to order drones shot down unless they pass over restricted military airspace. He called for expanded legislative authority to take decisive action when drones pose a potential threat.

“There’s a clear need for extended and expanded authority to handle drone activity more effectively,” Mayorkas said. His public appeal aligns with efforts by other officials to address the challenges posed by the increasing number of drones in U.S. airspace.

This call comes amid broader efforts to address drone-related issues. New York Governor Kathy Hochul echoed Mayorkas’ stance, emphasizing the importance of federal assistance in deploying high-tech solutions. “The federal government is prepared to act,” Hochul said, “but we must continue to advocate for the resources needed to protect our skies.”

Next Steps and Broader Implications

As federal and state agencies work to address the growing number of drone sightings, questions remain about how to regulate and monitor these devices effectively. The recent FAA rule change highlights the challenge of balancing technological advancement with public safety and privacy concerns.

Investigations into the sightings are ongoing, with additional resources being allocated to high-risk areas. The DHS and FBI are also collaborating on protocols to better handle drone-related incidents, while lawmakers like Schumer and Hochul advocate for permanent deployment of advanced detection systems.

Despite assurances from officials, the persistence of conspiracy theories and public skepticism underscores the importance of transparency. As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must the policies and systems in place to manage it. In the coming weeks, the government’s ability to provide clear answers will be critical in addressing both the mystery of these sightings and the broader implications for airspace security.

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