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Drone flies into a skyscraper in New York City’s World Trade Center complex, pilot in custody

A DJI Air 2S drone flew into a skyscraper, located in New York City’s World Trade Center complex, on Monday evening around 5:00 pm. The unmanned aerial vehicle became wedged between window panels located outside the third floor of the 52-story building, located at 7 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The pilot, Adam Ismail, a 22-year-old from Dallas, Texas, was arrested by Port Authority Police Department and taken into custody.

No injuries were reported for this particular incident. Ismail told the New York Daily News he didn’t know the building was part of the World Trade Center, the site of the September 11th attacks. A new tower was constructed in 2006, in its place. Ismail was reportedly capturing footage for his Instagram followers. ‘I was making a personal travel video to show my followers on social media,’ he explained.

Earlier this year, a 27-year-old Philadelphia resident by the name of Thomas Dhalquist was arrested after flying his drone on the roof of 3 World Trade Center. He attempted to retrieve it, gave authorities a false identity, and had drugs plus other paraphernalia on him.

NYC Administrative Code § 10–126 prohibits the takeoff and landing of drones within New York City. Violations are charged as a misdemeanor, resulting in a possible criminal record. Ismail was issued a summons but is no longer in jail. His drone, however, was confiscated.

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