Authorities in Nassau County have been given permission to shoot down drones that are causing trouble. A new drone command center has been unveiled, but they are waiting for approval from the federal government to use high-tech tools to intercept the drones. In the meantime, they are prepared to take action on their own.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized the importance of not waiting for a disastrous event to occur before taking action. The police department has been authorized to shoot down drones that pose a threat to public safety, especially during mass gatherings.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder stated that his team is ready to respond, with highly skilled snipers capable of hitting targets from a quarter-mile away. This announcement comes as the FAA has temporarily banned drone operations in certain areas and authorized the use of deadly force to bring them down.
Recent drone sightings over New Jersey and New York have raised concerns about security and potential foreign involvement. The new drone command center in Nassau County can track drones in their airspace, but they are limited in what they can do without federal assistance.
Blakeman highlighted the need for technology to intercept drones without resorting to shooting them down and called for federal legislation to address drone violations. Despite calls for action from local residents and lawmakers, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew who suggested drones may be coming from an Iran “mothership,” the federal government has downplayed the concerns.
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