WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately deploy advanced resources to address the escalating concerns over unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings operating near critical infrastructure in southeastern Pennsylvania.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Fitzpatrick pressed for swift federal action to address public safety, provide transparency, and enhance protective measures for the region. Growing reports of drones crossing into Pennsylvania from neighboring states like New York and New Jersey have intensified concerns about potential security risks and the origins of these unexplained activities.
In his letter, Fitzpatrick urged DHS to:
- Deploy state-of-the-art drone detection and tracking systems to identify flight patterns and potential security threats.
- Provide resources to Pennsylvania to pinpoint the origins of these UAS activities and determine their purpose.
- Collaborate closely with state and local authorities to ensure effective monitoring and response.
The full text of the letter can be read here and below:
Dear Secretary Mayorkas,
With the ongoing reports of unidentified unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings in southeastern Pennsylvania, I urgently request the Department of Homeland Security deploy additional resources to the state. While federal briefings indicate there is no immediate threat to public safety, it is imperative our communities in Pennsylvania are protected and questions on the presence of these drones are answered.
Specifically, I am requesting the Department of Homeland Security deploy appropriate drone-tracking technology. Special drone detection systems are necessary to understand the flight patterns and security risks posed by these UAS. As they appear to move into Pennsylvania from New York and New Jersey, state-of-the-art radar systems will provide insights into where these drones are deploying from and what the motives for their flights may be.
Pennsylvanians should not have to be afraid of what may be flying over their homes or over areas of critical infrastructure. It is critical that the Department of Homeland Security provide the necessary technology and drone detection resources to Pennsylvania, as well as continue to collaborate effectively with local and state authorities in your investigation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this request for information, please contact my office at (202) 225-4276.
Sincerely,
Brian K. Fitzpatrick
Member of Congress
Previously, on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, Fitzpatrick sent a letter calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently investigate and disclose information about the increasing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region, including Bucks County, and neighboring New Jersey.
In addition to his calls for immediate action, Fitzpatrick is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 4333, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the federal government’s ability to protect Americans from threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This legislation would reauthorize critical existing authorities while creating new opportunities for federal agencies to coordinate counter-drone measures with state and local governments, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to addressing these threats.
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