How U.S. Agencies Should Identify Mysterious Drones: Schumer

A.After weeks of fear and confusion drones are buzzing U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, in parts of New York and New Jersey, is urging the federal government to use better drone monitoring technology to detect and eventually stop the airborne pests.

The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately implement specialized technology that detects and tracks drones to their landing points, according to briefings from his office.

Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government is not making clear who is using drones and failing to stop them. National security officials said the drones did not appear to be a sign of foreign interference.

“There are a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told Fox News Sunday. “‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.”

President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Is this really happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public be informed, and immediately. Otherwise, shoot them.”

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday that certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the authority to “neutralize” drones. “But we need to expand these powers,” he said, without saying exactly how.

Mayorkas said the drones did not appear to be linked to foreign governments.

“We know that there is no foreign intervention regarding the events in the Northeast. Mayorkas said, “We are careful to investigate this issue.”

Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring some drones to broadcast their identities. It’s unclear whether this information was used to determine who was operating drone raid sites in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office did not immediately respond to questions about whether they could detect drones using the feature.

Schumer is calling for the use of recently declassified radar technology to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and track it to its landing site.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday that federal officials are sending a drone detection system to the state.

“This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately disclose additional details, including where the system would be deployed.

Dozens of mysterious night flights began flying over New Jersey last month, sparking concern among residents and authorities. Part of the concern stems from the fact that the flying objects were initially spotted near Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and production facility, and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

Drones are legal for recreational and commercial use in New Jersey, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.