Amid growing concerns over unidentified drones flying over the mid-Atlantic region, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal is urging for more aggressive action, including shooting them down if necessary. He emphasized the need for thorough intelligence analysis to determine the origin and purpose of these drones, particularly those observed near airports and military installations. Blumenthal expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the drone activity, calling it "absolutely unacceptable."
These remarks follow multiple reports of large drones spotted over New Jersey and, more recently, Connecticut. While White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby stated that many of the sightings are likely legally operated aircraft and pose no immediate threat, investigations by the Department of Homeland Security and FBI are ongoing. Kirby acknowledged the investigations are in their early stages and have not yet uncovered any evidence of malicious intent or criminal activity.
Senator Blumenthal has requested a briefing on the situation, citing the fear and concern expressed by his constituents. He noted a growing sense of unease among residents of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey due to the unidentified drones flying near sensitive areas. He highlighted concerns about potential surveillance and the safety of air traffic.
Furthermore, Blumenthal advised Americans to prioritize purchasing domestically manufactured drones over those made in China, citing potential security risks associated with Chinese technology. He labeled Chinese-made drones as a tangible threat to national security and advocated for discontinuing their use.
