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Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — People in Rochester reacted to reported drone sightings, following Governor Hochul’s calls for more federal support as State Police investigate reports in New York.
BACKGROUND:New York State Police Investigating Reports of Drone Sightings Across the Region
Mike Rogers and Elias Maldonado have seen and heard recent reports of drone sightings in New York and New Jersey. Both have felt uneasy about the news in recent weeks.
“You know, I think that if it is someone using it appropriately, that there should be more transparency about it,” said Rogers, while visiting Rochester from Elmira.
“It’s just very odd, you know, that all of a sudden these sightings are starting to happen, (and) they’re not just drones like the average people have,” said Maldonado, of Irondequoit.
The reported sightings in recent weeks have generated quite a bit of curiosity and speculation.
On Friday, the New York State Police said it was investigating after receiving numerous reports of sightings above New York.
Governor Hochul then, called for more federal support and for Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. Essentially, the act would strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of unmanned aircraft systems.
“I think with the proliferation of more drones and more people using them, or more businesses using them, it may need to be looked at more in terms of regulation,” said Rogers.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security addressed the reported sightings in New Jersey. The agencies said historically, authorities had experienced cases of mistaken identity, in which reported drones were later found to be manned aircraft, and this had been the case in recent weeks.
On Friday, the F-A-A released a video statement on X, saying in part: “The F-A-A regulates drones to keep our neighborhoods safe and efficient. This includes who can fly them,. where they can fly them, and at what altitudes.”
The FBI/DHS statement continued on to say the reported sightings do however “highlight the insufficiency of current authorities.”
The director of the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport said the airport was working with the F-A-A and was not aware of any recent issues.
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