Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas downplayed a spate of drone sightings in the tri-state region, stressing that the federal government cannot simply “shoot down” drones as some lawmakers urge it to do so. .
Mayorkas appeared on CNN on Friday night and claimed that many people are just looking at drones that can be purchased at “convenience stores” and that most cases are “cases of mistaken identity.”
The head of the Homeland Security Agency insisted to CNN host Wolf Brister that his agency has seen no evidence of unusual activity.
“We didn't see anything unusual,” Mayorkas said. “We don't know of a threat. We believe there are cases where people misidentify drones when they are actually small aircraft,” he said.
“Of course, there is a good chance that there are drones in the sky, but they are commercially available. You can go to a convenience store and buy a small drone,” Mayorkas argued, adding, “But we “We are not aware of any threats or nefarious activities,” he added.
Mr. Blitzer asked Mr. Mayorkas why the Department of Homeland Security did not take the initiative to remove the illegal drones.
“You can't launch a drone out of the sky,” the secretary said indignantly.
“Our nation's authority is limited by the U.S. Coast Guard in the maritime environment, the U.S. Secret Service in the protection of our nation's leaders, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with respect to our borders,” Mayorkas said.
