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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented an immediate prohibition on drone flights over select “critical infrastructure sites” in New York on Friday, while also asserting its authority to employ “lethal force” against unmanned aircraft deemed an “imminent security threat.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) followed suit with a similar restriction, stating, “This action is purely precautionary; there are no threats to these sites.”

The temporary measure will remain in effect until January 18.

Hochul elaborated on the decision, saying, “While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology. Public safety is my top priority and I will stop at nothing to keep my constituents safe.”

The directive encompasses 22 infrastructure locations in New Jersey and 29 sites across New York state, implementing a 30-day restriction following an increase in drone observations throughout eastern states.

The FAA emphasized that law enforcement may intercept and detain pilots operating within these restricted zones.

This regulatory action follows several weeks of unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and neighboring states, generating public concern and speculation about foreign involvement. While President Joe Biden dismissed the sightings as “nothing nefarious,” President-elect Donald Trump has urged governmental transparency regarding these mysterious aerial activities.

The directive, initially covering New Jersey locations, prohibits unmanned aircraft operation below 400 feet, which represents the ceiling for recreational drone flights under existing FAA regulations.

While the New Jersey restrictions will conclude on January 17, the ban over Trump’s Bedminster golf course will extend through January 31, beyond his presidential inauguration.