Two individuals, Robert Duffy and Jeremy Folcik, were arrested on Long Island for allegedly operating a drone dangerously close to Logan International Airport in Boston.

The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into a series of drone sightings across the northeastern US, though no national security threats have been identified, as the BBC reports.

On Saturday night, Robert Duffy, 42, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, were apprehended on Long Island after being linked to a drone incident near Logan International Airport. Authorities charged both men with trespassing, with the possibility of additional charges and fines as the investigation unfolds.

The police had been alerted to a drone near the airport at 4:30 p.m. local time. A law enforcement officer spotted the drone operating dangerously close to the busy airport, prompting an immediate response.

Upon identifying the drone’s location, investigators traced the operators back to a decommissioned health campus on Long Island.

FBI Joins Investigation Amid Airport Concerns

The FBI's counter-terrorism unit joined the investigation due to the proximity of the drone to Logan International Airport, which is considered a critical facility. As authorities moved in on the location, three individuals attempted to flee, but only Duffy and Folcik were apprehended by police.

A third suspect managed to escape, but the investigation into the incident continues. According to reports, Duffy was carrying a drone in a backpack when he was detained. Meanwhile, the third individual fled in a small vessel, and authorities are still working to locate this suspect. As of now, it remains unclear whether Duffy and Folcik have legal representation, and they have not yet been formally arraigned.

Authorities have confirmed that no national security or public safety threats have been identified from this incident or the broader pattern of drone sightings across the region. Drone-related activities have been reported in several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, with New Jersey seeing the most frequent occurrences.

U.S. Officials Address Growing Drone Concerns

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reassured the public that no foreign involvement had been detected in any of the drone sightings across the northeastern U.S. “I know of no foreign involvement in the drone sightings,” Mayorkas said, clarifying that authorities are not treating the events as a security threat at this time.

Mayorkas also pointed to a recent federal law change that may have contributed to the increase in drone activity. Last year, the law was updated to allow drones to be flown at night, which Mayorkas suggested could be a factor in the growing number of sightings. “It is critical that we be given the ability to counter drone activity under federal supervision,” Mayorkas added, emphasizing the need for more resources to address the issue effectively.

Federal Action and Regional Coordination on Drone Issues

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the growing concern, announcing that federal officials are sending a drone detection system to New York. Hochul also called for Congress to grant states more power to deal with drone-related disruptions, such as a recent incident in which drones caused a runway shutdown at Stewart Airfield.

The federal government has responded to the issue by sending advanced drone detection technology to New York, and Sen. Chuck Schumer, representing New York, has requested that the technology also be deployed to New Jersey. Schumer echoed Hochul’s concerns, stressing the importance of more local control over drone operations, especially as the technology becomes more prevalent.

As drone sightings become a growing concern in the northeastern U.S., federal, state, and local authorities continue to coordinate their efforts to address the issue. The arrest of Duffy and Folcik highlights the increasing risks posed by drones near critical infrastructure, with many questioning how to balance the rise of drone use with national security and public safety.

Search for Third Suspect Continues

As investigators continue to search for the third suspect who fled the scene, authorities have not ruled out further arrests in connection with the incident. While no formal charges have been announced against the third individual, the case has sparked broader discussions about the need for stronger regulations to control drone operations, particularly near airports and other high-security areas.

In response to the growing drone problem, Homeland Security has called for improved detection systems and stronger legal frameworks to help state and local authorities counter drone threats. As drone sightings continue to rise across the northeastern U.S., experts warn that more action will be needed to ensure the safety of both the public and critical infrastructure.

New Drone Legislation and State Power

The issue of drones near airports has brought attention to the current gaps in laws regulating drone use. As New York and New Jersey push for better detection and control systems, there is increasing pressure for Congress to pass legislation granting states more authority to act swiftly in response to drone-related threats.

For now, Duffy and Folcik remain in custody, and the investigation into their activities continues, as authorities work to prevent further incidents. While the motives behind their actions remain unclear, this case serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by drones, particularly when they are operated irresponsibly near vital infrastructure like Logan International Airport.

As more information becomes available, officials continue to urge the public to report any suspicious drone activity near airports or other critical facilities.