A Tipster reports multiple drones flying over Roosevelt Island yesterday morning (Wednesday, October 21) shortly before sunrise. According to the Tipster:
The drones are back over the area of Firefighters Field, steam plant, 405 Main, etc. I counted at least 12 of them in the dark morning sky today.
Another resident comments on the Instagram post:
Saw them early in the morning last as well near Lighthouse Park/Octagon
I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) if they knew anything about the drones flying over Roosevelt Island and if there is any security issue from drones flying so close to the Queensboro Bridge.
RIOC Assistant Vice President Communications & Government Affairs Bryant Daniels replied:
PSD did not receive any reports about drones flying overhead earlier in the day yesterday. The NYPD has protocols governing drone flights that must be followed. If you observe any drone activity of concern, please contact PSD immediately so that officers can respond.
Fox New York reports in December 2024 on NYPD efforts to monitor drones
and CBS New York reports in May 2026 that NYPD now has the power to shoot drones out of the sky.