EAST MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – It started in New Jersey in recent weeks and has only spread throughout the Northeast and other states — unexplained drone sightings. Federal agencies say they’ve received thousands of the reports with little to no leads. Vermont residents who have reported seeing the drones also, told us the sightings have them on edge.
“What’s it all about? It’s mindboggling,” said Travis Paquet of East Montpelier, an area he says is usually quiet. But that tranquility has turned to anxiety after he says he spotted drones over his house. “We were coming home and seeing multiple lights flashing in the sky that was just not normal for East Montpelier, and we don’t ever see it. It’s cool to look up there and see that stuff but if you don’t know what it is and why it’s there, it can be disheartening for sure.”
Paquet captured it on video — multiple spots with what appear to be red and green flashing lights moving through the sky. “We just want to be able to have an open honest dialogue with our children and let them know what it is so that when they see things on Facebook, they don’t have to be worried and have anxiety over that,” Paquet said.
A new memo from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says through data and tips, the sightings across the country are likely hobbyist, commercial, or law enforcement drones. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told CNN there are no known threats. “You’re seeing the lights on these things — the navigation lights — that’s what’s required if you’re going to be flying in U.S. airspace at night are navigation lights, so clearly they’re being operated in a lawful and legal way,” he said.
Paquet says those assurances have done little to alleviate public concern. “We’re being told, ‘see something, say something,’ and that’s what we’re doing. We’re seeing something, we’re saying something and now we’re being told you, ‘See it, well, don’t worry about it,’ is basically what we’re being told and I don’t think that’s fair to the community,” he said.
The Vermont State Police Capt. Matt Daley says they’ve received just two complaints — in Dummerston and South Hero — about drone sightings. While they encourage Vermonters to stay vigilant, he says trying to take drones down is a federal offense. “People should be aware if you shoot a gun, you’re responsible for those bullets or those pellets that are flying from that. Those consequences could come back on the person attempting to shoot the drone down,” Daley said.
Drones and other unmanned aircraft are subject to oversight by the FAA, but the uptick in sightings has left some, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, to urge Congress to pass new legislation that would give state and local law enforcement the ability to respond.