Federal law still prohibits shooting down drones
While state lawmakers may support citizen action against drones, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly disagrees.
The agency considers drones to be aircraft, making it illegal to shoot at them.
“A private citizen shooting at any aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, poses a significant safety hazard,” the FAA warns.
“An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air.”
The agency adds: “Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement.”