Schumer Requests Special Tech Over Drones
The mystery of large drones buzzing over New York and New Jersey has triggered bipartisan calls for action, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other officials demanding improved detection technology and enhanced legislative authority to tackle the issue. The sightings—described as coordinated and sophisticated—have raised concerns about public safety, national security, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Schumer has been vocal on the need for cutting-edge solutions. On Sunday, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to deploy specialized drone-detection equipment across the Mid-Atlantic. Specifically, Schumer pointed to the ROBIN radar system, a 360-degree detection tool that can spot drones that evade traditional methods like helicopter patrols or radio frequency tracking.
At a news conference, Schumer highlighted the urgency of the situation. “I’m pushing for answers amid these drone sightings,” he said. “We need technology that gives us a real chance to identify and neutralize these threats.”
I’m pushing for answers amid these drone sightings.
I’m calling for @SecMayorkas to deploy special drone-detection tech across NY and NJ.
And I’m working to pass a bill in the Senate to give local law enforcement more tools for drone detection.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 15, 2024
Mayorkas, speaking on ABC’s This Week, confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is already acting. He stated that additional resources, personnel, and technologies have been deployed to New Jersey, which has reported the highest number of sightings. A DHS official detailed the deployment of radar and electro-optical infrared camera systems, which can detect and track drones that lack standard radio frequency signals.
Reports from the Port Authority and FAA underscore the growing challenge. On Friday, a New York airport briefly closed its runways after a drone sighting, causing operational delays. New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia revealed alarming details from a recent briefing: drones measuring six feet in diameter, flying in formation, and evading traditional detection methods.
Despite these efforts, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby noted that no definitive evidence of these drones has been found using advanced electronic detection technologies. Instead, Kirby suggested that many sightings may involve lawfully operated manned aircraft, a claim that has not satisfied local lawmakers or residents demanding answers.
Schumer letter to DHS Sec.
Mayorkas on drones: “Given that drone sightings have been
reported across hundreds of
miles, and in the vicinity of
vulnerable sites such as airports
and critical infrastructure, I urge
you to deploy additional systems
like this (ROBIN) across NY & NJ.” pic.twitter.com/K86VDbn31V— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 15, 2024
To address the challenge, Schumer and other leaders are pushing for the passage of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This legislation would give local law enforcement expanded authority and resources to detect and neutralize unauthorized drone activity.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Secretary Mayorkas have also called for Congressional action, emphasizing the importance of equipping state and local agencies with modern tools. Hochul praised the deployment of federal drone-detection systems, noting that the new technology will bolster ongoing investigations and provide much-needed support to state law enforcement.