Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) attempted to quell concerns over reported drone sightings in Virginia, but also called for federal authorities to release more information about the phenomenon.
Reports of drone sightings in various parts of the country, mostly in New Jersey, have caused national headlines, as residents express concern over what the flying objects may be. While federal officials have downplayed the flying objects, Youngkin called on officials to share more information with the public.
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“The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to a significant number of national security and critical infrastructure sites upon which our nation depends each and every day. I remain deeply concerned that Virginia has consistently sought information from federal partners, and to date, the information shared with the Commonwealth has been insufficient,” Youngkin said in a statement Saturday.
The Virginia governor also said that he would continue to work with state law enforcement and emergency officials to gather more information about the reported sightings.
“The Virginia State Police Homeland Security Division and Virginia Department of Emergency Management continue to closely coordinate through our Fusion Center with the greater law enforcement and first responder community regarding drone activity in the Commonwealth,” he added. “We will continue to engage with numerous federal partners and release further information as it becomes known and available.”
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The White House downplayed the reported sightings in a press call on Saturday, saying there was a “slight overreaction” from the public over the alleged incidents.
Officials said that many of the reported drones were likely manned aircraft, with many of the sightings near LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark airports in the New York City area, matching flight paths. A Department of Homeland Security official on the call said that “no threat has been identified from the drone sightings.”