Airports In New York: Will They Close Again?

New York airports have been experiencing temporary closures due to mysterious drone sightings. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for federal assistance, urging Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act to strengthen the FAA's oversight of drones and grant local law enforcement agencies the authority to investigate. The drones have sparked concern and confusion, with lawmakers debating the appropriate response. While some have called for the military to shoot them down, experts warn that doing so poses safety risks and is illegal. The White House has stated that there is no evidence that the drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat.

Drone sightings forced New York airports to close temporarily

The drone sightings in New York are part of a larger pattern of mysterious drone sightings across the northeastern United States, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. These drones have been spotted hovering over residential neighbourhoods, restricted sites, and critical infrastructure, causing concern among residents and lawmakers. In response to the sightings, investigations have been launched by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, with the FBI receiving over 3,000 tips related to the sightings.

The New York State Police (NYSP) have stated that they have received numerous reports of drone sightings but have found no evidence that the sightings pose a public safety threat. Similarly, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have asserted that there is "no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus." However, the drone sightings have led to temporary closures of airports and restricted airspaces, with authorities taking precautions to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and the public.

Governor Hochul has called on Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would grant state police more power to investigate the mysterious drone sightings and strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of drones. She has urged the Biden Administration to direct additional federal law enforcement resources to New York and the surrounding region until such powers are granted to state and local officials.

Governor Kathy Hochul called for federal assistance

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for federal assistance after a series of mysterious drone sightings forced the temporary shutdown of runways at Stewart International Airport, located 60 miles north of New York City. The governor expressed her frustration, stating that the situation had "gone too far." In response to the drone sightings, Hochul urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight of drones and grant additional powers to state and local law enforcement agencies to address the issue.

Governor Hochul emphasized the need for immediate action, requesting that the Biden Administration provide additional federal law enforcement support to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and people in the region. She also highlighted the economic impact of airports, stating that investments in transportation infrastructure would cement New York's leadership in global commerce and tourism.

In a separate incident, Governor Hochul called on President Biden to address the asylum seeker crisis in New York by providing work authorizations, financial support, and shelter for over 100,000 asylum seekers. She outlined specific requests, including expedited work authorizations, financial assistance, the use of federal land for temporary shelters, and funding for National Guard members providing support. Local and state officials echoed her calls for federal assistance, citing the strain on resources and the need for a comprehensive solution to address the humanitarian crisis.

Governor Hochul's calls for federal assistance in addressing the drone sightings and the asylum seeker crisis in New York reflect her commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of New York's residents and critical infrastructure.

The New York Stewart International Airport was closed for an hour

On Friday, December 14, 2024, New York Stewart International Airport was closed for an hour. The airport, located in Orange County, New York, is roughly 60 miles north of New York City. The closure was prompted by a mysterious drone sighting in the airspace around the airport.

The drone activity blocked the airspace, forcing the airport to shut down its runways for approximately one hour, from 9:40 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. During this time, there were no impacts on flight operations, and the airport resumed normal operations after the drone was no longer a concern.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the situation, expressing her concern about the increasing drone sightings in the state. She urged Congress to pass legislation that would grant state police more power to investigate and address these incidents. Governor Hochul also called on the Biden Administration to provide additional federal law enforcement support to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and people in the region.

The New York Stewart International Airport incident is just one example of the mysterious drone sightings that have been plaguing the skies over the Northeast, including states like New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The drones have also been spotted over LaGuardia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Investigations into these sightings are ongoing, with the FBI receiving thousands of tips from the public.

Drones were spotted in New York, New Jersey, and other northeastern states

In New York, drones forced the temporary shutdown of runways at Stewart International Airport, located about 60 miles north of New York City, on December 13, 2024. The airport, which services both commercial and military flights, closed its runways for about an hour after a drone was spotted in the area. This incident prompted New York Governor Kathy Hochul to demand federal assistance and call for stronger legislation to counter drone threats.

Drones were spotted flying over the Bronx in New York City on December 12, 2024, and near LaGuardia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. These sightings caused concern among residents and officials, with Governor Hochul urging Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This legislation aims to strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of drones and grant additional powers to state and local law enforcement agencies to address drone-related issues.

The drone sightings in New Jersey and other northeastern states have sparked various conspiracy theories and raised questions about their origin and purpose. While some speculate about foreign involvement or clandestine government operations, others suggest they could be used for drug-smuggling or other illegal activities. However, federal officials have stated that there is no evidence of any threat to national security or public safety. The FAA has implemented temporary restrictions on drone flights in certain areas, and the investigation into the mysterious drone sightings is ongoing.

The FBI received over 3,000 tips related to the sightings

In December 2024, New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, was forced to shut down due to mysterious drone activity. The airport, located in New Windsor, is over an hour's drive north of Manhattan. The closure was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who said that "this has gone too far".

The FBI has received over 3,000 tips related to the sightings, with most observations occurring at night. The drone sightings have not only been limited to New York but have also been spotted in neighbouring states such as New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The drones were also seen flying over LaGuardia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

The New York State Police (NYSP) stated that they have received numerous reports of drone sightings and are investigating each report, sharing information with federal and local law enforcement partners. Despite the sightings, the NYSP asserted that there was no evidence of a public safety threat at that point. Similarly, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly stated that there was no indication of a national security or public safety threat, nor was there any foreign nexus.

Governor Hochul directed the New York State Intelligence Center in mid-November to actively investigate drone sightings and called for federal assistance. She urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act to grant state police more power to investigate the mysterious drone sightings. She also requested that the Biden Administration provide additional federal law enforcement resources to New York and the surrounding region to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and people.

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