Concerns regarding the federal government’s grasp of drone sightings across the United States were highlighted by Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) on Tuesday, emphasizing the potential national security risks involved.
As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Giménez expressed his worry during an interview on NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live,” noting the government’s failure to effectively track or identify the source of the increasing number of drone flights. “The federal government is completely in the dark about what’s happening with these drones,” stated the Florida Republican, underscoring his alarm over the situation.
Concerns mount as Giménez highlights potential national security threats from drones
His remarks follow a series of drone sightings on the East Coast, particularly near military installations in New Jersey and Ohio. While officials from the White House and Pentagon have downplayed the occurrences, attributing most to recreational or commercial drone use, Giménez insists that further investigation is essential.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that there are over one million registered drones in the U.S., with around 8,500 actively flying on any given day, the majority of which serve recreational or commercial purposes. Giménez warned, “Drones are a threat and will increasingly pose dangers, potentially leading to harmful incidents in the future.”
The recent closed-door briefing held by the House Intelligence Committee regarding drone sightings has sparked additional speculation. The Florida representative suggested that the classified session aimed to gather more insights, as earlier public briefings had provided little information.
According to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, initial assessments indicate that the observed drones are “a mix of law enforcement drones, commercial drones, and hobbyists,” with no evidence suggesting risks to public safety or national security.
Giménez, who has voiced concerns about drone threats since serving as mayor of Miami-Dade County, cautioned that advances in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, could render future drone incidents even more hazardous. “With artificial intelligence emerging, the absence of a pilot will elevate the potential risks posed by these drones,” he noted.
