There have been more than 150 reported tips of drone sightings over Virginia this month, Virginia State Police says, and police are continuing to investigate the situation.
VSP said in a statement yesterday that the Virginia Fusion Center within the Homeland Security Division of VSP is investigating all the tips and sharing the information with key stakeholders.
“We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center,” said Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robinson. “This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring, and how to move forward.”
Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers say that the information from federal officials on the matter is “insufficient and unsatisfactory.”
Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, issued a joint statement on Thursday after attending a classified briefing about the drone sightings.
“It has been more than a year since these sightings over key militaries in Virginia and the lack of answers about the nature, intent, and origin of these incidents is completely unacceptable,” the statement said. “The safety of Virginians remains our top priority, and we are determined to continue pressing for additional details as well as greater coordination with state and local officials.”
Remember that it is illegal to shoot down a drone, VSP says, as airspace is governed by the federal government. It is illegal in Virginia to fly a drone within 50 feet of a residence unless you have been authorized to do so.
Drones must remain within sight of the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators, VSP says. Operators must have a remote pilot license for recreational use or a certificate from the FAA for commercial use.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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