Senators Kim, Schumer, Gillibrand, and Booker Request Immediate Briefing on Investigations into NJ and NY Drone Sightings

December 12, 2024

WASHINGTON DC – Today, Senator Andy Kim joined Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to request an immediate briefing from United States federal agencies investigating recent drone sightings over New Jersey and New York about their work with federal and local law enforcement to identify and address the source of these incursions. 

 

The letter sent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) cites that, “since late November, communities in the New York City area and northern New Jersey have reported several incidents of unattributable drone sightings at night, alarming both residents and local law enforcement. According to public reports, residents have reported that some of these drones are larger in size compared to other commercially available drone technology.”

 

The Senators go on to state that, “In addition to potential privacy concerns raised by these aerial systems, we are also especially concerned about how these drones may harm public safety…” and that, “The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year. Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy as well as military assets and personnel will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch.” 

 

The full text of the letter can be found here.

 

On December 4th, Senator Kim participated in a briefing hosted by New Jersey Governor Murphy with DHS Secretary Mayorkas about the agency’s response and investigation into the recent drone sightings and coordination between location, state, and federal entities. 

 

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