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Robert Duffy, 42, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, were arrested in Boston on Saturday (December 14) for flying a drone dangerously close to Logan International Airport. The arrests occurred on Long Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands after a Boston police officer specializing in crime surveillance detected an unmanned aircraft system near the airport's airspace. The suspects were charged with trespassing, and authorities are searching for a third suspect who fled the scene.
The arrests come amid a series of drone sightings across the Northeast, prompting concerns about airspace safety. Drones have been reported near airports and military bases, leading to temporary closures. For example, the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio shut down for four hours due to drone activity, and New York Stewart International Airport closed its runways for an hour.
Authorities, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are investigating these incidents. Although federal agencies have stated that the sightings do not pose a national security threat, lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have urged Congress to pass legislation granting more power to state and local law enforcement to manage drone activity.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas noted that the increase in drone sightings might be due to new FAA rules allowing drones to fly at night. He assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.