Schmitt questions national security experts on the threat from drones

A U.S. Senate committee is exploring how drones – in the wrong hands – are a threat to national security. 

Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt asked Steven Willoughby from the Department of Homeland Security about the threat level of drones and counter security measures at various sporting events: 

“Like, what’s the…what’s the difference between the Super Bowl versus Mizzou/Alabama in October?  Whether it’s a NCAA Football game or another NFL game during the regular season, the federal presence is not there, which means the resources and the capabilities, and the countermeasures are also not there.”

Willoughby says local jurisdictions, even in NFL cities, don’t have regular access to resources to detect far-ranging potential threats. 

Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt asked Homeland Security’s Steven Willoughby (Willow-bee) about the use of drones by drug cartels:

“Where are they typically acquiring their drones?  Walmart, Amazon. You know, most of them are off the shelf products that you can get at any store or order online. You can also, you know, buy components and, you know, create it yourself through like a DIY.”

Schmitt asked if anything can be done to prevent drug cartel members from obtaining drones. Willoughby says it’s tough to determine intent by someone who buys a drone because they’re also used by positive actors and those without malicious intent.