Federal officials have downplayed concerns over thousands of recent drone sightings reported across Northeastern states, saying the activity poses no threat to national security or public safety.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security’s cyber agency are cautioning about the “significant risk to critical infrastructure and U.S. national security” posed by Chinese-manufactured drones that could steal American data
As a drone with flashing red and green lights hovered over the field where the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals were playing last week, officials temporarily stopped play several times.
The potential for weaponized drones has never been greater, but no federal agency has the authority to shoot one down or redirect it.
FBI agents trying to rescue a hostage last year were thwarted when they spotted a swarm of drones that suspects were using to keep an eye on the raid.
The U.S. is vulnerable to attacks from weaponized drones, 3-D printed guns and other high-tech weapons because the Secret Service isn’t equipped to cope with the “grave threat,” a former agent told the Washington Examiner.
The Border Patrol hopes to add smaller drones to its surveillance arsenal and will begin testing the unmanned aircraft this month in the Tucson sector, Tucson.com reports.
Border Patrol plans to test new drones in Arizona, Texas and Vermont in September as part of an increased effort to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
