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In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and read aloud during a press conference on Monday, Dec. 16, Latimer highlighted growing public concern following recent incidents, including one that temporarily shut down Stewart International Airport in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, and raised anxieties about safety at Westchester County Airport.
“I have spoken to many throughout Westchester County, who express fear and concern about the recent drone sightings,” Latimer said, adding that residents are particularly worried about holiday travel as the issue remains unresolved.
Latimer urged the Biden administration to identify the source of the drones and release information to the public to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories. Without clear answers, he said, residents remain vulnerable to "insidious conspiracy theories or solutions peddled by fringe ideologues."
The County Executive also voiced his support for New York Sen. Chuck Schumer's proposed deployment of advanced drone detection technology, saying it would allow authorities to respond more quickly and help ease public concerns.
“This is not an issue that can be resolved in the town hall, village hall, or city hall,” Latimer emphasized. “It cannot be resolved here in the county government, nor even in the halls of our state government.”
Latimer described the drone issue as an “interstate reality” that requires federal intervention to identify the drones' purpose, explain their presence, and implement any necessary regulations to protect residents' safety and privacy.
The drone sightings began in November in New Jersey and some parts of New York City.
Within weeks, residents in the Hudson Valley began reporting sightings as well, including those in Rockland County. This prompted a similar call for federal action from Rockland County Executive Ed Day.
After the incident at Stewart International Airport, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways and delayed flights, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for more resources to improve drone detection and responses.
The governor also called on lawmakers to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would provide states like New York with the authority and resources required to respond to drone-related incidents.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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