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Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
President Joe Biden insisted that there is “no sense of danger” surrounding the mysterious spate of drone sightings across the US.
“Nothing nefarious apparently, but they’re checking it all out,” he told reporters at the White House on Tuesday amid growing public demands for an explanation. “We’re following this closely, but so far no sense of danger.”
The FBI also issued a warning to New Jersey residents, urging them not to shoot down or shine lasers at suspected drones flying overhead. The bureau, along with state police, noted an increase of pilots being hit in the eyes with lasers, after those on the ground have mistaken planes for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS’s).
“There is also a concern with people possibly firing weapons at what they believe to be a UAS,” the agency added in a statement.
Members of Congress were briefed on the potential origins of the drones in a classified House Intelligence Committee meeting on Tuesday by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder.
Officials continue to brush off claims that the UAS’s are linked with anything more clandestine, with Ryder telling reporters: “Completely understand the concerns, completely will reinforce we’re taking it seriously.”
Defense Department sends additional resources to New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle
The Department of Defense is sending additional resources to New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle to better enable the installations to detect, track, and monitor drone activity.
“Commanders can use the recently released counter unmanned systems strategy to craft their responses to any incursions,” the Department of Defense said in a news release.
Biden says there’s ‘no sense of danger’ from drones
President Joe Biden insisted that there is “no sense of danger” concerning the mysterious spate of drone sightings over New Jersey and New York.
“Nothing nefarious apparently, but they’re checking it all out,” he told reporters at the White House on Tuesday amid growing public demands for an explanation. “We’re following this closely, but so far no sense of danger.”
Biden also noted the number of drones legally flying, adding: “There’s a lot of drones authorized up there. I think one started it and they all – everybody wanted to get in the deal.”
Vermont resident says drones have family on the edge
A Vermot man says reports of drones around the eastern US have his family on the edge.
“What’s it all about? It’s mindboggling,” Travis Paquet, of East Montpelier, asked WCAX.
“We were coming home and seeing multiple lights flashing in the sky that was just not normal for East Montpelier, and we don’t ever see it. It’s cool to look up there and see that stuff but if you don’t know what it is and why it’s there, it can be disheartening for sure,” he said.
Trump-backed lawmaker roasted after apparently mistaking Star Wars prop for captured drone
Pentagon employing passive and active sensors to detect drone activity over military installations
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder was asked Tuesday what visual or sensor data similarities had been seen in drones over US military installations.
“I’m not going to have any information to provide in terms of sensor data, other than, again, as I highlighted earlier, we are employing a variety of both passive and active sensors in order to detect, as it pertains to DOD installations,” said Ryder. “And of course, we’re not the only ones in this business when it comes to US civil airspace.”
“I’d certainly refer you to DHS and FAA on that front,” he added.
San Diego drone sighting prompts investigation: Report
Authorities in the Southern California city of San Diego reportedly tracked down a large drone that was flying near the downtown area early Tuesday.
Officers responded to reports of the drone as it moved between the city and the resort city of Coronado, according to KGTV.
It circled the area for at least an hour before police lost track of it.
More than 13K drones are lawfully registered in New Jersey
There are thousands of registered drones in New Jersey.
A new tally counts 13,067 in the northeastern state, according to PIX11.
The station cited the Geographic Listing of Hobbyist & Non-hobbyist Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Registry Enrollments & Registrants.
Bethenny Frankel shares bizarre theory about mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey
Licensed drone operator weighs in on drone activity in upstate New York
Alex Ramos, a licensed drone operator, said he often flies his drone on the shores of Lake Ontario, which borders New York.
“I’ve flown over Lake Ontario before,” Ramos told WHEC. “Obviously not too far out in case the drone loses battery and flies away.”
Ramos reported having issues with drones at sporting events.
“I’ve spoken to some of the people at the Red Wings, and they said they had drones falling onto their field during games,” he said.
Chuck Schumer announces legislation to help authorities with drones
The New York Democrat announced Tuesday he will bring the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act to the floor to “give state and local authorities more authority and tools to track drones.”
“Drone sightings have created confusion, anxiety, and disruptions for millions in communities across the Northeast,” Schumer said, according to pressconnects.
“Local authorities can do a lot to help answer our questions, but right now they are not empowered to do so because the federal government has total jurisdiction. With thousands of local requests each year it’s important to make sure state and local agencies have the tools they need to get answers and keep communities safe.”
Source: independent.co.uk
