Democratic lawmakers on Thursday ripped into the Trump administration, claiming that the Department of Defense (DOD) shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone, adding that their “heads are exploding” over the reported strike.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrictions around Fort Hancock, Texas, were enacted on Thursday over “Special Security Reasons.”
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The reported strike raises potential questions about Pentagon coordination with not only civilian aviation authorities but also border agencies.
The FAA restrictions follow earlier turmoil this month around El Paso International Airport, where an FAA plan to halt traffic for 10 days was rescinded hours later amid discussions of reported laser-based anti-drone system use and safety reviews.
What To Know
U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen of Washington, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and André Carson of Indiana—Democrats on the committee overseeing transportation and infrastructure—issued a joint statement on Thursday.
“Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.
“We said MONTHS ago that the White House’s decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea.
“Now, we’re seeing the results of its incompetence.”
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
