Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04) wants to close the alleged gap in authority between the feds and state authorities to interdict illegal drones.
This week, Smith introduced the Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction (LANDED) Act which, as his office explained in a release announcing the legislation, “would empower highly trained state law enforcement units to detect and stop any drones involved in unlawful activities.”
Smith recentlyjoined Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy to gain a greater understanding of the situation and the frustrating hurdles involved with local officials who would like clear authority to defend their communities.
“As swarms of unidentified drones have violated our airspace over the past month, our state law enforcement leaders have been precluded by law from taking more decisive action, leaving our highly trained officers—who are on the ground and situationally aware—almost completely hamstrung,” said Smith. “My legislation is critically needed given the huge gaps that exist in our ability to counter unlawful drones which have been exposed by the unusual activity occurring across our state.”
“We need to ensure that law enforcement has the authorities, training, and capabilities to take quick action if needed to keep local residents safe, especially as drones continue to advance technologically and have the potential to be increasingly lethal,” Smith continued.
The FAA also recently announced a drone no-fly zone through mid-January over multiple New Jersey communities including Camden, Newark, and the locations of a North Jersey arsenal and President Trump’s golf course. Still, the overall lack of action (and mixed messaging) from Washington has left Smith and many others back in the Garden State deeply concerned and increasingly angry.
“Regrettably, the Biden Administration not only has refused to take decisive action but also has been denying and downplaying the situation that has caused so many New Jersey residents to be understandably concerned and alarmed,” concluded Smith. “New Jersey residents should not have to live in fear while unidentified drones continue to fly over our critical infrastructure, sensitive military bases, and homes and communities. Enough is enough.”
