The Virginia State Police (VSP) on Thursday confirmed citizens have reported 150 drone sightings throughout the commonwealth during the month of December in a statement that urged the public to notify authorities if they see drones flying over sensitive areas.
A VSP press release shared to the social media platform X confirms the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC), part of the VSP’s Homeland Security Division, “has received more than 150 tips involving drone activity,” since the beginning of the month. It also confirmed these reports were made amid “reports of drones flying in other areas of the country, including New Jersey.”
Police advised the public to contact VFC should they “see drones acting suspiciously.”
In a statement, VSP Special Agent D. Robinson urged citizens specifically to report potential drone sightings over critical infrastructure and other sensitive installations.
“We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center,” said Robinson. “This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring, and how to move forward.”
Multiple sheriffs offices throughout Virginia previously confirmed sightings of “suspicious” drones in counties containing national security facilities and military bases, including the U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters.
While the federal government and President Joe Biden have maintained the drones pose no threat, Governor Glenn Youngkin similarly expressed concern about the drones in a statement released last week.
Youngkin stated, “The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to a significant number of national security and critical infrastructure sites upon which our nation depends each and every day. I remain deeply concerned that Virginia has consistently sought information from federal partners, and to date, the information shared with the Commonwealth has been insufficient.”
Despite highlighting concerns over the drone sightings, both Youngkin’s office and VSP cautioned the public against interfering with the drones.
“Please do not attempt to interfere with UAVs by utilizing personally owned drones or any other airborne craft or attempting to capture the suspected drone/aircraft individually,” wrote the governor’s office. VSP similarly warned, “It is against the law to shoot at a drone. Airspace is governed by the Federal Government.”
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Virginia State Police Drone” by Virginia State Police.
