Unexplained drone activity over New York led to a temporary shutdown of runways at Stewart International Airport in Orange County, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to seek federal assistance.

The airport halted operations for approximately an hour on Friday night after receiving a drone sighting report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reported NBC News. Although the runway closure did not affect flight operations, Hochul expressed her frustration, stating that “this has gone too far.”

Drones have been spotted across New York, New Jersey, and other Northeast states, raising concerns among lawmakers and officials.

Hochul has directed the New York State Intelligence Center to investigate the sightings and collaborate with federal law enforcement. She is also urging Congress to pass legislation to enhance state and local law enforcement’s ability to manage drone threats, per NBC.

While the White House has indicated that there is currently no evidence of the drones posing a national security or public safety threat, officials have noted that many reported sightings might be misidentified manned aircraft.

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The FAA confirmed that flying drones in U.S. airspace is legal, and the Department of Homeland Security reiterated that there is no indication of foreign involvement with the drones.

New York State Police posted on December 13 the following on X:

However, on the same day as the New York State Police post, Borough President Vito Fossella and local elected officials requested that the New York City Police Department look into the reports of drones spotted over Staten Island, reported ABC 7 NY. Fossella also called on federal authorities to offer more clarity to the residents of the Northeast who are observing these drones.

“What if there were 3,000 reports of drones or manned aircraft sightings over the US Capitol or the White House or the State House in Albany?” asked Fossella, arguing that there would be a swift reaction to identify what they were and address the situation, yet the people of New Jersey and Staten Island have received no response at all.

President-elect Donald Trump also made a statement on Friday, December 13, regarding the drones. He noted that the unidentified drones observed flying over New Jersey and other states should be shot down unless the government can clarify who is operating them. His comments follow nearly a month of reports from New Jersey residents about hundreds of drone sightings.

“Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT” Trump posted on Truth Social.