If You See the Drones Over Indiana & Kentucky Can You Shoot Them Down?

Keep Your Eyes to the Skies

Last year, the U.S. became captivated by a giant balloon drifting across the country, which turned out to be a Chinese surveillance device. While the Chinese government claimed it was a civilian meteorological airship blown off course, some sources reported that its flight path and structure were inconsistent with a typical weather balloon. The below video confirms that the sensors were never activated while over the US. Officials had been tracking it before it entered U.S. airspace. The incident escalated tensions between the two nations and left Americans uneasy.

Mysterious Drones in the Tri-State

Now, reports are surfacing of mysterious drones appearing in various cities, including Evansville, Mt. Vernon, and, as of last night, Owensboro. Witnesses have spotted over 20 drones flying at high altitudes. Last week, the FBI and DHS addressed similar sightings in New Jersey, releasing a joint statement:

"We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.
We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities."

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Is It Legal to Shoot Down a Drone?

Despite these reassurances, many Americans remain concerned and are considering taking action themselves. However, tampering with flying drones is a felony, and law enforcement agencies have made it clear they will pursue charges in such cases.

For instance, a Florida man recently shot down a drone he believed was surveilling him and was ordered to pay Walmart $5,000 in restitution. The FAA reminded CNN:

"Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state, or local law enforcement." (FAA on drone safety)

The FAA also warned about the dangers of shooting drones. When they fall, they become hazardous projectiles that can cause injuries or wildfires. Moreover, firing bullets into the night sky is inherently risky. This was one of the reasons the US military waited until the Chinese balloon was six miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean to shoot it down. So, unless it's actively attacking you, leave it alone.

Did You Know: Around 792,000 drones are registered with the FAA for commercial and individual use. 

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What to Do If You Spot a Drone

1. Report Dangerous or Criminal Drone Activity: If you see a drone being used recklessly or for illegal purposes, contact your local law enforcement.
2. Notify the FAA About Rule Violations: If a drone appears to be breaking FAA regulations, reach out to your local FAA Flight Standards District Office. FAA investigators can look into the matter and follow up with the drone operator.
3. Document and Share Sightings: If you encounter one of these drone clusters sparking public interest, consider taking a photo or video and sharing it with your local news outlet.

Remember, most of the thousands of drones in U.S. airspace each day are for personal or commercial use. While it's natural to be cautious, knowing how to handle these situations legally and safely is essential.