On Saturday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported that drone activity led to the temporary closure of runways at Stewart Airport for about an hour on Friday night and urged Congress to enhance drone regulations.

Hochul’s comments come amidst a surge of drone sightings, raising concerns among lawmakers while federal agencies try to provide assurances about these incidents.

“This has gone too far,” Hochul stated.

She called on Congress to enact the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would give local law enforcement more authority to address drone issues. This announcement coincides with ongoing investigations into the sightings by the New York State Intelligence Center, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security.

In her statement, Hochul joined various lawmakers in urging the Biden Administration to take more action regarding the drone sightings. Federal authorities have indicated that these sightings do not seem to be linked to any malicious activities. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have suggested that a number of reported sightings may not involve actual drones.

“It is crucial to extend these powers to New York State and our neighbors. Until these powers are granted to local and state authorities, the Biden Administration needs to send more federal law enforcement support to New York and nearby areas to safeguard our critical infrastructure and citizens,” she added.

Sightings reported in New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania

Reports of significant drone sightings began to emerge in New Jersey in late November. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced that various agencies, including federal and state law enforcement, would collaborate to monitor and investigate these drone activities.

This month, drone sightings have also been reported in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, leading to various theories and calls for clarity. Since these sightings are not confirmed to be connected, they may have different explanations for each case.

During a recent press briefing, White House National Security Communication Advisor John Kirby stated there is no indication of involvement from foreign entities via ocean vessels.

Lawmakers demand answers

As the uncertainty around these sightings continues, lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump are pushing for more information from the government.

Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to urge the government to inform the public about the situation, stating, “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” Additionally, on Nov. 22, the FAA imposed a temporary flight restriction prohibiting drones over Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

On Thursday, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., criticized the Biden administration for being “dismissive” regarding these reported sightings, arguing the government has neglected its responsibility to inform the public about the events promptly.

Democratic Senators Cory Booker, Andy Kim, Kristen Gillibrand, and Chuck Schumer collaborated on a letter sent to the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the FAA this week, requesting a briefing on how these agencies plan to identify and address the cause of these incursions.