On Thursday, a Democratic U.S. senator reportedly urged the downing of the enigmatic drones that have been observed over numerous northeastern states if they pose a threat to sensitive areas.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated that the U.S. government must adopt a more assertive stance in response to the drones and that the limited amount of information being provided to citizens was “absolutely unacceptable.”
The drones have been primarily observed in New Jersey, but they have also been observed overhead in neighboring states such as Connecticut and New York.
According to him, there had been an increase in the number of residents who had expressed their sightings
“We should be doing some very smart intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases. They should be shot down, if necessary, because they’re flying over sensitive areas.” Blumenthal said.
“I’m hearing from constituents in the metropolitan area around New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, who are really terrified by these drones flying unidentified over airports and military bases,” he continued.
Previously, Republican Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey demanded that the drones be destroyed.
On Thursday, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security jointly released a statement verifying that there was “no evidence” of a threat.
Sen. Blumenthal also encouraged Americans to refrain from purchasing drones manufactured in China.
The remarks were made in the wake of the Justice Department’s announcement this week that a 39-year-old Chinese citizen had been apprehended for allegedly flying a drone over the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and taking photographs.
Before boarding a flight to China, authorities apprehended the individual, Yinpiao Zhou for committing the acts, which could constitute espionage.
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