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:

The Secret Service's use of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) in early March allegedly caused false collision alerts for commercial planes near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), posing significant aviation safety risks.
Legislators are questioning the Secret Service for reportedly violating agreed-upon operating parameters, failing to notify the FAA, and operating their C-UAS system outside approved frequency limits, effectively breaking the law.
U.S. Representatives sent a letter to the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, demanding answers, a plan to prevent future incidents, and highlighting a troubling lack of coordination between agencies.

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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.