U.S. officials detected multiple unidentified drones flying over Fort Lesley J. McNair, a key Army base in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reside. The incident occurred on one night within the past 10 days, though authorities have not determined the drones' origin.
The sightings prompted immediate security enhancements at the base and a White House meeting to address the threat. Officials weighed relocating Rubio and Hegseth but decided against it for now. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to comment on the secretaries' movements, calling such reporting irresponsible for security reasons.
Fort McNair serves as housing for high-profile officials amid ongoing national security challenges. Rubio and Hegseth, key figures in the Trump administration, have resided there as precautions during elevated threats.
The drone detections coincide with broader U.S. military postures. The armed forces have operated at a higher alert level since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. Recent base lockdowns and a global security alert reflect fears that Iranian retaliation could target American officials on home soil.
No group has claimed responsibility for the drones, and investigations continue. The episode underscores vulnerabilities in defending against unmanned aerial systems, even over restricted airspace.
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