Local security expert weighs in on mysterious drone sightings
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BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) -- People across the state have their eyes to the skies. Thousands of mysterious drone sightings have popped up in multiple states along the east coast, including New York and New Jersey.
"More than likely there's a reasonable explanation. We're just not being given that at this time," said security expert Jeff Rinaldo, who's the Vice President of Vista Security Group Inc. in Amherst.
Rinaldo said at this point, there does not seem to be a reason to worry about the drone sightings.
"We're not being told there's something to be concerned about," he said. "If it was nefarious in nature, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to have the lights on, on these drones, which would draw your attention to them in the night sky."
He said another reason people shouldn't be worried is there are a number of agencies aware of the drone sightings, including the federal government and state and local police departments.
"In terms of mitigating a drone, in other words taking control of it or attempting to knock it out of the airspace, that authority resides only with federal law enforcement agencies. So local law enforcement agencies do not have that capability or the authority to do such," he said.
Government leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are calling for more legislation to combat these drones and strengthen the FAA's oversight of them.
On Sunday, Hochul also announced the federal government is deploying a drone detection system to the state.
FAA officials told WIVB News 4 that they are monitoring reporting sightings across the northeast and continue to support security partners regarding the drone sightings.
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.