Fact Check: Louisiana Becomes First State to Authorize Police to Disable Threatening Drones
What We Know
On October 23, 2023, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed into law a measure that allows state and local law enforcement to intercept and disable drones that pose credible threats to public safety. This legislation, known as the "We Will Act" Act, marks the first instance in the United States where a state has granted local law enforcement the authority to actively mitigate drone threats, a responsibility typically reserved for federal agencies (source-1, source-4). The law empowers specially trained officers to use both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies to neutralize drones operating unlawfully near sensitive locations such as schools and public events (source-6).
The legislation was introduced in response to increasing concerns about unauthorized drone activity, particularly near critical infrastructure and large gatherings. Violators of this law face severe penalties, including fines up to $5,000 and potential jail time (source-1, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Louisiana is the first state to authorize police to disable threatening drones is supported by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from the Governor's office confirms the unique nature of this legislation, emphasizing that it allows local law enforcement to take proactive measures against drone threats (source-1). Additionally, news reports from reputable outlets such as WWL-TV and KLFY corroborate the details of the law and its implications for public safety (source-4, source-6).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official government communications and established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. The specificity of the law's provisions and the context of its introduction further bolster the credibility of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that Louisiana has become the first state to authorize police to disable threatening drones is True. The legislation signed by Governor Landry not only empowers local law enforcement to act against drone threats but also sets a significant precedent for drone regulation at the state level. This development reflects growing concerns about public safety in the context of increasing drone usage.
Sources
- Louisiana Becomes First State to Authorize Local Law Enforcement to Disable Threatening Drones. Office of Governor Jeff Landry
- Louisiana empowers police to disable unlawful drones. WWL-TV
- Gov. Landry signs bill to allow law enforcement to neutralize threatening drones. KLFY
- Louisiana becomes first US state to authorize local police to intercept drones. Unmanned Airspace
