Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed concerns on Friday regarding the government's limitations in taking down drones, stating that they do not have the authority to shoot drones out of the sky. Mayorkas emphasized that the reported sightings of drones in various states may be cases of mistaken identity, with some individuals misidentifying small aircraft as drones.
Mayorkas explained that the government's authorities are restricted to specific missions involving unmanned aircraft conducted by federal agencies, preventing them from simply shooting down drones. He highlighted the accessibility of drones, noting that some can be purchased at convenience stores, which may contribute to the increase in sightings.
Despite the widespread drone sightings, Mayorkas assured the public that there is no known threat or nefarious activity associated with these incidents. He expressed the need for expanded authorities to empower local and state officials to address drone activity effectively.
Mayorkas revealed that officials have requested Congress to broaden the scope of authority to enable proactive measures against drones. He stressed the importance of enhancing authorities to better manage and respond to drone-related incidents across the country.
