Governor says drones banned over ‘critical infrastructure’ sites in New York amid latest sightings

After weeks of increased drone activity across the Empire State, federal authorities plan to temporarily suspend the use of drones over certain areas of New York, the governor announced Thursday.

The move comes as drones have drawn national attention following an increase in sightings in recent weeks, upsetting the residents in New Jersey and around the East Coastand incur the wrath of elected leaders.

In a statement In her office, New York Gov. Cathy Hochul said she spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who said the Federal Aviation Administration plans to place short-term restrictions on flights over “critical infrastructure.”

“This action is purely precautionary, there is no threat to these sites,” the governor said. “We will continue to aggressively monitor the situation as we urge Congress to pass legislation to give state and local law enforcement the authority and resources needed to manage this emerging technology. Public safety is my top priority and I will stop at nothing to keep my constituents safe.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's speech on November 25, 2024. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s speech on November 25, 2024.

Locations include neighborhoods in Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Yonkers listed in the FAA’s recent wave of drone restrictions.

According to Homeland Security, critical infrastructure includes highways, major bridges, tunnels, railroads, utilities and buildings “necessary to support normal life.”

Drone sightings have drawn criticism from lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels, as well as President-elect Donald Trump, who questioned the rise in drone activity: “Could this really be happening without our government knowing? I don’t think so!”

Trump and other officials offered the military to shoot drones from the sky trying to determine what it is. Civilians also said they were ready to open fire on planes.

origin for strange observations was not confirmed.

What are drones and who can fly them? What you need to know among mysterious sightings.

What are drones?

Drones are unmanned, remote-controlled aerial vehicles widely used by hobbyists, commercial users, and the military for various purposes.

Aircraft are regulated by the US Federal Aviation Administration. Almost 800,000 drones registered for commercial and recreational purposesthe FAA said.

New Jersey Drone Restrictions

on thursday The FAA announced the restrictions aimed at limiting drone flights over power plants and other infrastructure in New Jersey. They limit cars to 400 feet, but do not include private planes or helicopters.

The news conference was held in Seaside Heights to address what little is still known about the hundreds of drone sightings in Monmouth and Ocean, as well as the New York area.

The press conference was held in Seaside Heights to address what little is still known about the hundreds of drone sightings in Monmouth and Ocean, as well as the New York area. — The news conference was held in Seaside Heights to address what little is still known about the hundreds of drone sightings in Monmouth and Ocean, as well as the New York area.

“At the request of federal safety partners, the FAA has issued 22 temporary flight restrictions that prohibit drone flights over New Jersey’s critical infrastructure,” the agency said in a statement.

Co-author: Eric Lagatta and Mary Walrath-Holdridge

Natalie Neisa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York bans drones over ‘critical infrastructure’: what you need to know