Noem Flees Press Conference After Balloon Question
During a press conference, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly ended her remarks when questioned about reports of federal officials closing airspace above El Paso after mistaking a party balloon for a cartel drone. This incident, which involved the use of a new anti-drone weapon and led to the Federal Aviation Administration shutting down airspace without apparent coordination, has raised concerns among elected officials. The disruption, described as unprecedented since 9/11, occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny for Noem’s department.