The surge in drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast has escalated security responses, prompting authorities in New Jersey to take severe measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace from Kearny to Camden, enforcing strict regulations for what it describes as "special security reasons."
The FAA enforced a no-fly zone over parts of New Jersey, issuing warnings of "deadly force" against potential threats, Daily Express US reported.
This sudden rise in drone activity has raised serious concerns and sparked widespread speculation about the origins and intentions of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Reports of hundreds of drones have disrupted daily life and potentially jeopardized major holiday travel plans.
The airspace closure directly impacts a critical corridor, significantly affecting densely populated areas around Newark and Camden. Law enforcement has warned that individuals operating drones within the restricted zone could face severe penalties, including interception and possible detainment.
The continuous drone sightings have puzzled authorities and experts, with theories about their controllers varying widely. Observers speculate that hobbyists, foreign governments such as Russia or China, or even the U.S. Government itself could be operating these drones, though no evidence supports any definitive claims yet.
This ambiguity has heightened unease among residents and travelers, especially as the holiday season approaches. The inability to efficiently track the drone operators has compounded security challenges, prompting aviation officials to respond with strict measures.
According to drone expert Brett Velicovich, the potential impact of these drones is significant, as even a single sighting could lead to complete airport shutdowns. "The airports can't do anything else but shut down traffic even if there is just a reported sighting," Velicovich explained. He added that this quick reaction is necessary "out of precautions for safety," highlighting the serious nature of the threat.
This is not the first incident of drone-related disruptions. In 2018, Gatwick Airport faced a severe crisis when drone activity led to the cancellation of about a thousand flights, an event thought to be a "malicious attack" possibly orchestrated by someone with insider knowledge of airport operations. Two individuals were arrested but later released without charges, underscoring the difficulties in managing such threats.
In response to these ongoing issues, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has attempted to push legislation that would allow local law enforcement more power to track drones back to their operators. However, he has faced opposition, notably from Senator Rand Paul, who has expressed concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
"The people in New York and New Jersey have a lot of questions, and they're not getting good enough answers," Schumer stated, pointing out the "utter confusion surrounding these drone sightings."
Lue Elizondo, a former military intelligence officer, noted that while some drones might be easily identifiable as consumer-level devices or misidentified airliners, others remain mysterious. "We don’t know where they're from, we don’t know where they're going, we don’t know who's behind it," Elizondo expressed, suggesting a disconnect between official statements and the realities observed by the public.
Elizondo further criticized the lack of transparency from federal agencies. "The bottom line is that the federal government is not being honest with the American people," he remarked, recalling an incident where the FBI prevented a terrorist plot using drones, indicating the potential severity of such threats.
Over 5,000 drone sightings have been reported in recent weeks, particularly concentrated along the East Coast. This concentrated activity in areas like New Jersey has not only magnified security concerns but also frustrated those looking forward to peaceful holiday travel, compelling authorities to maintain stringent airspace restrictions and prepare for potential disruptions.
The FAA's stern warning about using "deadly force" underscores the severity with which the government is treating these incidents, emphasizing the potential danger posed by irresponsible or malicious drone usage in these tense times.
