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 alleged misuse of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) caused false Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts on commercial and Coast Guard aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) in early March, creating significant safety risks.
The Secret Service is accused of operating their C-UAS outside agreed-upon radio frequency parameters and failing to notify the FAA of its activation, violating established protocols, an agreement, and federal law (Title 6, Section 124n).
U.S. Representatives have sent a letter to the Secretaries of Transportation and Homeland Security, demanding answers to 10 questions and a plan to prevent similar incidents, citing "blatant disregard for long-standing safety protocols" and poor inter-departmental coordination.

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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.