In a significant move concerning public safety and security, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her support for the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) proposal to gain authority from the federal government to unilaterally counter illegal drone threats.
Hochul underscored the urgent need for state and local authorities to be empowered to respond effectively to aerial threats, citing a lack of sufficient action from the federal government.
In her letters addressed to President Donald Trump and congressional leaders, Hochul argued that the existing federal strategy for mitigating drone threats is inadequate.
Currently, the authority to utilize specific drones to target and neutralize unlawful drones at high-risk events is limited to certain federal agencies.
With New York scheduled to host significant events in 2026, including part of the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, Hochul warned that the potential for drone attacks during these occasions is particularly concerning.
The NYPD has already proposed acquiring its own drones for defense purposes and has lobbied for the necessary permissions from both Congress and Trump.
In her communication, Hochul highlighted the alarming increase in drone sightings across New York State.
Earlier, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that at least 75,000 drones have been recorded flying over New York City in 2025 alone.
The governor further emphasized the necessity of integrating state and local governments in drone threat mitigation efforts, stating, “Granting states the authority they need to improve detection and mitigation of UAS threats, in coordination with federal agencies, is no longer a matter of preference.
It is a matter of urgent concern.”
Citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where drones have played a transformative role in military tactics, Hochul underscored the heightened threats to critical infrastructure in New York.
“An attack against strategic military and critical infrastructure in New York poses an urgent danger to the United States,” she wrote.
In light of potential threats, Hochul urged the federal administration to take proactive steps in strengthening the detection capabilities and mitigation strategies for drone-related threats, particularly in the lead-up to 2026.
She further implored Congress to broaden state capabilities in this domain, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive federal strategy before major events in New York occur.
Hochul stated that measures should primarily focus on protecting vital infrastructure such as population centers, utilities, and military assets.
The governor insisted on the need for a swift deployment of these measures in areas deemed high-risk.
However, the prospect of such technology has raised concerns among civil rights advocates.
Will Owen, communications director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, criticized the NYPD’s push for anti-drone technology, deeming it as excessive and potentially infringing on New Yorkers’ rights.
“New Yorkers deserve real safety, not cartoon cop drones straight out of Looney Tunes,” Owen said.
He warned that investing public dollars in invasive surveillance technologies jeopardizes essential civil liberties, including the rights to free speech and protest.
As the conversation around drone threats develops, Hochul remains steadfast in her call for urgent and coordinated action to protect public safety in New York State.
She concluded her letters urging a collective effort from federal and state levels to address the growing challenges posed by drone technology.
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