Legislators Question Alleged Counter-Drone System Misuse Near D.C.

‘Inability to coordinate effectively’ between federal departments involved faces scrutiny.

Caleb Revill

Monday, April 21, 2025 at 09:41 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport [Credit: Mark Stebnicki/Pexels]

Key Takeaways:

Legislators are questioning the Secret Service's alleged misuse of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in early March.
The alleged C-UAS use caused false Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts on several commercial aircraft, creating confusion and introducing unnecessary safety risks.
The Secret Service is accused of operating the C-UAS outside agreed-upon parameters and failing to provide required notifications to the FAA, potentially violating federal law and long-standing safety protocols.

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Legislators are asking questions after alleged misuse of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) by the Secret Service disrupted aviation safety protocols at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) in Washington, D.C., in early March.

U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen and Bennie Thompson sent the letter addressed to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on April 14 asking 10 questions about the incident.