Hochul Warns New York at Risk of Drone Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging federal leaders to take swift action against the rising threat posed by drones.

In letters addressed to President Donald Trump and congressional leaders, Hochul called for a national strategy to detect and respond to potential drone-related threats and for expanded powers for states to address them directly.

The governor's push comes after several suspicious drone sightings were reported in New York City and the Hudson Valley in late 2024. Hochul argued that these incidents exposed gaps in the federal government’s preparedness and highlighted the need for stronger state authority.

She stressed the urgency of enhancing national drone detection capabilities with layered defenses designed to protect urban centers, energy infrastructure, and military facilities. According to Hochul, a successful attack on any of these areas in New York could pose a severe risk to national security.

Summer 2026 presents additional concerns, according to Hochul, as the state is expected to host high-profile events such as the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Hochul warned that these gatherings could serve as attractive targets without stronger safeguards in place.

With the current legal authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI set to expire in September, Hochul emphasized the need for states to be granted the power to detect and mitigate drone threats in coordination with federal agencies. She described this shift as “a matter of urgent concern.”

At the state level, lawmakers from both parties have introduced various legislative proposals regarding drone use. These proposals have included bans on drones near prisons, schools, and critical infrastructure, limits on law enforcement drone use, and restrictions on using drones for surveillance of individuals with a reasonable expectation of privacy.

One measure also sought to prohibit weaponizing drones.

Despite these efforts, no major drone-related legislation has been signed into law during Hochul’s administration.

A recent report by the New York Civil Liberties Union revealed a dramatic increase in drone ownership among government agencies across the state. According to the report, the number of drones registered to state and local agencies rose 65% from 2022 to 2024, with 876 drones linked to 127 agencies by 2024.

The report also found that law enforcement agencies operate 508 of these drones, raising concerns about privacy due to the lack of oversight or regulatory frameworks governing their use.

Hochul Warns New York at Risk of Drone Attacks