US lawmakers alarmed by mysterious drone sightings across East Coast

ISTANBUL (AA) – US lawmakers and officials are demanding urgent action as mysterious drone sightings across the East Coast have sparked concerns about public safety, privacy, and national security.

Reports of drones near sensitive locations, including military sites and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in New Jersey, have prompted bipartisan calls for investigation and regulatory reform.

– Federal disorganization –

Federal agencies appear divided over the issue, with Florida Congressman Mike Waltz criticizing the lack of coordination during an appearance on CBS television on Sunday.

“We need to know who’s behind it,” said Waltz, who is expected to be Trump’s national security adviser.

“Right now, law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Department are kind of pointing at each other. It’s highlighting gaps in our capabilities.”

The drones have been spotted in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

– Call for transparency and regulation –

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed Waltz’s concerns during the same program, calling for “more transparency” and updated drone regulations.

“Do we really want all these drones? While these may be safe, who knows what happens in the future?” she said. “Flying over homes, beaches, and family picnics? This is not going to be a good future if we don’t act now.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he is advancing legislation to provide local authorities with better drone detection resources and urged Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to deploy detection technology to New York and New Jersey.

“The laws on where and when and who can fly drones are rather limited. This legislation will help,” Schumer said during a briefing.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed Sunday that her state will receive a federal drone detection system but urged Congress to pass laws enabling states to take direct action.

“I am grateful for the support, but we need more,” Hochul said.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie revealed Sunday on ABC that he and his wife had spotted drones flying near their home early Saturday morning.

“They’re there,” he stated. “And I can’t tell you the number of people in New Jersey who’ve expressed their concerns to me this week.”

– FBI investigation and arrests in Boston –

While the FBI leads the investigation and has received thousands of tips, confusion persists over the origins of the drones.

New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew said last week that an “Iranian mothership” may be involved, a claim dismissed by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

Two arrests were made in Boston on Saturday after individuals were caught operating a drone dangerously close to Logan Airport, police said.