Secret Service overrides FAA rules to allow surveillance drones for Trump inauguration

There are usually strict federal regulations on using unmanned aerial aircraft in Washington, D.C., but America's Secret Service appears ready to disregard those rules completely.

As the clock ticks down to Donald Trump's inauguration, it's important that we are able to keep everyone who attends the event safe.

However, the Secret Service's decision to use drones in the restricted area is bringing about a bit of controversy, as no citizen would ever be allowed to do that. Should the Secret Service be above the law?

If it keeps the president safe, then Secret Service spokesman Nate Herring thinks it's justified.

"The U.S. Secret Service will use unmanned aerial vehicles as part of our security plans for this month’s National Special Security Events, and the public may see these assets operating both before and during these events," Herring told the Washington Examiner.

Herring continued, "Secret Service and our local, state, and federal partners [will] employ a multitude of seen and unseen security measures operating in tandem to ensure comprehensive and seamless security plans."

This is in direct contrast to the city's rules, as stated on Washington, D.C.'s own website.

"The airspace around Washington, DC is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish 'national defense airspace' over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization," says the city.