The long-lost wreckage of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter “Tampa,” which represents the largest single naval combat loss for the United States during World War I, has recently been located on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, over a century after its sinking.

A team of British technical divers, known as “Gasperados,” made the remarkable discovery approximately 50 miles off the coast of Newquay, Cornwall, UK. The ship lies at a depth exceeding 300 feet beneath the waves.

The dedicated volunteer divers embarked on a three-year quest to find the wreck, ultimately verifying their find with assistance from the Coast Guard Historians Office. This confirmation was achieved through a review of historical records, technical specifications, and archival photographs depicting the ship’s wheel, bell, deck fittings, and weaponry.

The “Tampa” met its fate on September 26, 1918, mere weeks before the conclusion of World War I, when a torpedo from the German submarine UB-91 struck it in the Bristol Channel.

An archival photograph of the Coast Guard cutter Tampa, which was tragically torpedoed by a German submarine in 1918, during World War I. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The devastating blast caused the ship to sink in under three minutes, leaving no chance for survival.

All 131 people on board were killed, including 111 Coast Guardsmen, four U.S. Navy personnel, and 16 British Navy personnel and civilians.

“Since 1790, the Coast Guard has defended our nation during every armed conflict in American history, a legacy reflected in the courage and sacrifice of the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa,” Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday wrote in a statement. “When the Tampa was lost with all hands in 1918, it left an enduring grief in our service. Locating the wreck connects us to their sacrifice and reminds us that devotion to duty endures. We will always remember them.  We are proud to carry their spirit forward in defense of the United States.”

Tampa’s wreckage was recently located off the coast of Cornwall, United Kingdom, marking the largest single naval American combat loss of life in World War I. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The doomed crew came from all walks of life to serve their country, according to the Coast Guard.

In 1999, 81 years after the tragic sinking, the crew members of the Tampa were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Tampa was the largest naval combat loss in World War I. (U.S. Coast Guard)

This group included 11 Black sailors who became the first uniformed minority Coast Guardsmen to die in combat and receive the Purple Heart.

The Coast Guard is developing plans for underwater research and exploration of the Tampa site, coordinating with historians, robotics and autonomous systems and specialized dive teams.

In a remarkable display of technological innovation and humanity, Ukrainian soldiers recently utilized a military robot to carry out a daring rescue operation amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Footage released by Ukraine’s Third Army Corps showcases the evacuation of an elderly woman who was perilously close to Russian gunfire. This incident highlights the evolving role of technology in modern warfare, where lifesaving missions are becoming intertwined with advanced robotics.

The video, which has been widely circulated, captures the tense moments as the military robot navigates the dangerous terrain to reach the woman. Its successful deployment underscores the potential for robotic assistance in conflict zones, offering a glimpse into the future of military operations where human lives are preserved through automated interventions.

Ukraine’s use of such technology not only serves a tactical advantage but also represents a compassionate approach to warfare, striving to protect civilians caught in crossfire. As the conflict with Russia continues to escalate, innovations like these could play a crucial role in minimizing casualties and providing a safer environment for non-combatants.

This instance of technological use in the Ukraine-Russia war adds another dimension to the narrative, providing hope and showcasing the potential for robotics to make positive impacts even in the direst situations. The global community watches closely as Ukraine maneuvers through these challenging times, with advancements like these potentially setting new precedents for military protocols worldwide.

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Four times each year, the financial world turns its attention to the earnings season, a crucial period when America’s largest publicly traded companies reveal their financial performance. This event can significantly influence the state of your 401(k).

The spring session began earlier this month, and we’re now entering the most critical phase. Nearly half of the total market value of U.S. stocks will be represented as these companies disclose their quarterly results.

In addition to this flurry of financial disclosures, a key Federal Reserve meeting is set for Wednesday, where interest rates will be determined. Additionally, an eagerly awaited GDP report will be released on Thursday, followed by the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting on Saturday.

On Wednesday alone, corporations accounting for almost a quarter of the S&P 500’s overall value are scheduled to report their earnings. This could lead to significant market shifts in a single day.

This group includes four of the so-called ‘magnificent seven’ tech titans—Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta—that play a pivotal role in many retirement funds.

All are due to report at or just after 4.05pm in New York – setting up a frantic two-minute window just after the closing bell that could decide the direction of the market. 

In total, nearly 180 companies in the index report this week – Apple goes on Thursday – making it the busiest and most important stretch of earnings season.  Other notable names include Coca‑Cola, Starbucks, Mastercard and Eli Lilly, plus the big three US auto manufacturers: Ford, GM and Stellantis, which owns Chrysler.

‘For companies, if you haven’t beaten, beaten, beat and raised, you’ve gotten slaughtered in this market,’ Nancy Tengler, chief executive officer of Laffer Tengler Investments, told the Daily Mail.

Nearly 180 members of the benchmark S&P 500 index are scheduled to report this week

Jay Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets

Despite the smoldering war in the Middle East, US stock markets are back at all-time highs. For many companies reporting earnings, that means even very good results are not good enough to please investors right now.

According to FactSet, 84 percent of stocks in the S&P 500 index that reported earlier this month have beaten expectations, setting a very high bar for the companies reporting this week.

For many investors, the highlight of the week will be results out of the magnificent seven stocks.

The group accounts for almost one third of the S&P 500’s total value, and their results tend to dictate where the broader market – and your 401(k) – is heading.

‘When it comes to these mega-cap companies, we continue to see the theme that good is not good enough,’ Jay Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, told the Daily Mail.

The stocks of Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft are all gaining ground heading into their reports, and Woods is eager to hear what each company has to say about the year ahead.

‘What we’re going to look for is guidance,’ Tengler told the Daily Mail, referring to forecasts from companies where they formally commit to hitting concrete targets in future quarters. ‘Margins are at historic highs, and we want to see if that can sustain.’

Both Tengler and Woods said artificial intelligence remains a huge theme. Tengler said companies have mentioned how they were using AI to boost profits, while Woods wants to hear more about how Apple will handle the transition to newly named CEO, John Ternus.

The five Mag 7 companies reporting this week have delivered strong results in recent quarters – and Wall Street analysts expect all of them to deliver outstanding numbers this time around. But to our analysts’ point about very good not being good enough, the last earnings season saw shares of fellow group member Nvidia absolutely tank after the company said revenue had grown 73 percent over the prior year.

Nancy Tengler, chief executive officer of Laffer Tengler Investments

Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial

Additionally, the broader stock market seems to have completely forgotten the Iran War.

According to Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial, the focus for many investors has turned to earnings as a driver. But at the same time, companies are still talking about the war and higher oil prices.

Malek cautions that the current earnings season mostly reflects the period before the war began, so the impact of higher oil prices won’t be seen clearly in backward-looking numbers.

On the other hand, forward-looking guidance will absolutely reflect companies’ assessment of the war’s impact down the road.

‘Corporate executives are saying that they expect the conflict to draw out over a longer period of time, and that’s forcing them to change up expectations,’ Malek told the Daily Mail.

For companies that use fuel as a direct input cost – think airlines, cruise lines and shipping companies – profits are going to be lower going forward, which will have a negative impact on both the company’s stock and your portfolio.

Malek said companies will pass along higher costs to consumers, and it’s only a matter of time before cost increases start showing up in monthly budgets beyond price shock at the gas pump.

‘Don’t believe me? Monitor shipping costs or airline costs over the next few weeks, then come back to me with your findings,’ Malek said.

Veteran trader Peter Tuchman surveys screens at the New York Stock Exchange. This Wednesday will be huge for the stock market

The stocks of Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft are all gaining ground heading into their reports midweek

So what should regular folks do with their 401(k)s this week?

For Tengler, the fact that the stock market found its feet at the beginning of April and shot much higher means it’s time to buy ‘high-quality holdings.’

‘Corporate profits are healthy and future profits represented by company guidance are expected to grow low double-digit in 2026,’ she said.

High-quality stocks are companies that have low debt and plenty of liquidity – making them ready to face tougher conditions without distress – plus stable and predictable profits that are insulated from the inevitable big swings in the economy.

Investors consider two of the Mag 7 tech stocks reporting earnings this week to be leading high-quality stock candidates: Microsoft and Meta Platforms.

According to the Motley Fool, Meta and Microsoft earn this status thanks to their dominant AI leadership, immense cash flow and consistent revenue growth. 

For Meta, the company’s core advertising business grew revenue 24 percent year-over-year in its last earnings report – and that’s exactly the kind of high-quality growth Tengler is talking about.

Microsoft is a shining example of the kind of liquidity you want: It has giant reserves of cash, which allow the company to keep buying back shares and maintain its 16-year streak of dividend increases – each of which help keep the company’s value on track for the long term.

People are watching to see how the drama unwinds between the Trump administration and outgoing Fed chair Jerome Powell

After earnings, the Fed meeting will be the other major focus this week, with markets watching to see how the drama unwinds between the Trump administration and outgoing Fed chair Jerome Powell.

Last week, the administration finally abandoned its criminal probe of Powell, which prompted a key member of the Senate to end his blockade of confirmation hearings for Trump’s hand-picked successor, Kevin Warsh.

‘Now that the Department of Justice has dropped its criminal probe, this will most likely be Powell’s final time to address the audience as Fed chair,’ Woods said.

If Warsh is not confirmed by the Senate before May 15, when Powell’s term as Fed chair officially expires, Powell will continue serving as chair pro tempore.

Powell has stated he will remain as acting chair until his successor is in place – and remain after that time as a Fed governor if there was an ongoing investigation.

Woods told the Daily Mail what he’ll be watching for at the Fed meeting: Powell will need to clarify his intentions about remaining as a Fed governor and voting member after his term as chair ends, since his term as a governor doesn’t end until 2028.

On Friday, cities across the nation are set to witness a wave of protests and demonstrations as part of May Day, with participants boycotting work, school, and shopping. The events, driven by the rallying cry “Workers Over Billionaires,” are expected to draw significant attention.

Approximately 500 organizations have joined forces to orchestrate over 750 events, including around 200 virtual gatherings. Major urban centers such as New York, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles will be among the key locations for these activities.

May Day Strong, the primary organizer behind these demonstrations, explains the initiative: “On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families will rally, march, and take action nationwide, demanding a society that prioritizes workers over billionaires. Many participants will engage in acts of civil disobedience by refraining from attending school, going to work, or shopping.”

These May Day protests and boycotts echo a longstanding tradition of labor activism, stretching back to the 19th century. This historical legacy of advocating for workers’ rights has been a cornerstone of labor movements, often linked to Marxist and socialist ideologies. The day became especially significant in the Soviet Union, where it was declared a national holiday following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

May Day’s roots trace back to the 19th Century, when Marxists, socialists and labor unions called for a day of strikes in Paris and later became a national holiday in the Soviet Union after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

The first May Day protest occurred in 1886, with Chicago at the center of the demonstrations. At the time, several hundred thousand unions, socialists, anarchists and reformers took to the streets to advocate for the eight-hour workday. 

Several days later, the protests turned deadly. 

On May 3, 1886, violent agitators at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company clashed with police, who opened fire on the crowd, killing at least two, according to reports.

Illustration depicting the Anarchist (Haymarket) Riot on May 4th, 1886 in Chicago. Shows a bomb exploding among the police. (Colored wood engraving by T. de Thulstrup after H. Jeanneret.)

The following day at Haymarket Square in Chicago, an unknown agitator threw a bomb at police, killing one officer instantly and leading to a violent battle that killed several more law enforcement officers and protesters. 

The riot became known as the “Haymaker Affair,” and the events led to the executions and hangings of the Haymarket Martyrs, a trial which is still debated over injustice and controversy today. 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has already endorsed the events taking place this Friday, saying that “meaningful solidarity and community resistance” are cornerstones of the historic demonstration.

Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference at Chicago City Hall on Feb. 25, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)

“Encouraging participation allows Chicagoans to honor our history while advocating for our future,” Johnson said. “We look forward to a day of meaningful solidarity and community resistance to the forces trying to tear us apart.”

“The history of May Day in America is rooted in Chicago,” Johnson added. “It was in our city that workers organized around the simple demand of an eight-hour workday and raised the consciousness of a gilded nation through the Haymarket Strike.” 

With the central theme surrounding the American worker against the billionaire class, economists are skeptical that a single-day boycott has any impact at all on large companies and the so-called elite.

Protestors arrive in front of the White House on June 22, 2025, to demonstrate support for the Islamic Republic of Iran amid U.S.-Iran tensions. (Asra Nomani/Fox News Digital)

“If you’re talking about [non-perishable activities], like going to the movies, you’ll go see the same movie on Saturday,” University of Maryland Economics Professor Emeritus and former chief economist at the U.S. International Trade Commission Peter Morici told Fox News Digital. 

Morici noted that if consumers boycott purchases for a single day, they will purchase the same products and shop at the same venues regardless of a one-day strike.

“Somebody will go to store B instead of store A,” Morici explained. “All this is a bad storm and a way for the left wing getting everybody riled up.”

“It’s not a hit on the billionaires,” Morici added. “You’re angry about your circumstances. So what do you do? You burn the place down and make your circumstances worse. The local shops that are going without a day. The very people they want us to patronize are the people that could get hurt.”

On Wednesday, Nick Reiner stood in Los Angeles Superior Court for a preliminary hearing related to the tragic December 2025 murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

The 32-year-old, clad in a yellow prison jumpsuit over blue pants, displayed a shaved head and full beard. He sat expressionless next to Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, who stepped in to handle the case earlier this year after the departure of renowned attorney Alan Jackson.

With a stoic demeanor, Nick offered only brief, mumbled replies to Judge Samuel Ohta’s questions.

Greene informed the court that she was still awaiting the autopsy reports for Rob and Michele. Consequently, Judge Ohta rescheduled the preliminary hearing for September 15.

Nick was taken into custody by Los Angeles Police Department officers on December 14, 2025, soon after his parents, aged 78 and 70, respectively, were discovered fatally stabbed in their Brentwood residence.

Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances of multiple murders and personal use of a knife.

According to Rob and Michele’s death certificates, they died within “minutes” of receiving “multiple sharp force injuries” with a “knife, by another.”

If convicted, Nick — who has remained behind bars at Twin Towers Correctional Facility since his arrest — faces a possible death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Nick — who had gotten into an argument with his parents at Conan O’Brien’s Dec. 13 Christmas party — was diagnosed with schizophrenia before the killings and has a long history of drug addiction.

He pleaded not guilty in February.

Rob and Michele, who had been married since 1989, were also parents to son Jake Reiner, 34 and daughter Romy Reiner, 28. Prior to marrying Michele, the actor-director was married to Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981. During their relationship, Rob adopted her daughter, Tracy Reiner, 61.

Jake broke his silence on his parents’ deaths last week in a Substack essay that detailed the exact moment he found out they had died.

“I was in Union Station at a celebration of life for one of my best friends, Christian Anderson, who died in October,” Jake wrote. “It was at that moment I received a call from my sister Romy telling me our father was dead. Minutes later, she called back telling me our mother was also dead.”

Jake continued, “The 45-minute Lyft ride from downtown to the west side was unendurable. My world, as I knew it, had collapsed. I was in a trance. The only thing I could focus on was that I needed to get to my childhood home. I needed to get to my sister. I needed to figure out what the hell just happened.”

Jake lamented that he feels “robbed of so many things” after losing his dad and mom, noting that the tragedy “simultaneously breaks my heart and enrages me.”

“Nothing can prepare you for what it feels like to lose both parents instantly at the same time,” he added. “It’s too devastating to comprehend. I still wake up every morning having to convince myself that, no, it’s not a dream. This truly is my living nightmare.”

NEW YORK — King Charles III and Queen Camilla commenced their visit to New York City on Wednesday with a poignant stop at the National 9/11 Memorial. There, they paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks and engaged with the bereaved families.

This visit is a significant part of the royal couple’s four-day U.S. tour, which commemorates 250 years of American independence. Notably, this marks the first time a reigning British monarch has visited New York City since Queen Elizabeth II’s trip in 2010.

Arriving by motorcade, the king and queen were welcomed by a host of dignitaries at the memorial. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined them as they walked to one of the memorial’s parapets, which encircle the twin pools bearing the victims’ names. King Charles placed flowers at the site in a gesture of remembrance.

The royal visit included a heartfelt exchange with family members of the 9/11 victims and first responders. Some family members clutched photos of their loved ones. Among those present were New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, and other notable figures. This solemn ceremony precedes the upcoming 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Consistent with tradition, King Charles and Queen Camilla refrained from making public remarks at the memorial. The site is traditionally reserved for speeches by the victims’ families and friends during annual commemorations, avoiding political or public figure addresses.

The queen was scheduled to visit the New York Public Library, where she’ll deliver a new Roo doll to add to the library’s famed collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals, as the beloved children’s character turns 100 this year.

The five dolls currently on display — Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Kanga — were the inspiration for the characters in A.A. Milne’s children’s books. They were owned by the English author’s son, the real-life Christopher Robin, in the 1920s. The dolls were donated to the library in 1987 and are a centerpiece of the library’s collection of children’s literature. Roo, in the books, was a small brown kangaroo and son of Kanga.

The king, meanwhile, was expected to visit an after-school, urban farming effort that works with young people affected by food insecurity, as well as meet later with business and financial leaders in Manhattan.

The royal couple are then expected to attend a reception for the King’s Trust, a charity Charles founded in 1976.

The four-day trip is Charles’ first state visit to the U.S. since he became king. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made four state visits to the U.S.

Monday, the king and queen joined President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House.

On Tuesday, Charles and Trump had a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office. The king then delivered a rare speech before Congress — the first by a British monarch since his late mother in 1991 — followed by a formal state dinner at the White House.

The monarchs are also expected to make stops in Virginia before wrapping up their U.S. visit back at the White House on Thursday with a formal farewell from Trump. Charles then travels solo to Bermuda on his first visit as king to a British overseas territory.

___

Associated Press writer Dave Collins in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.

A Georgia resident faces assault charges after allegedly hitting two cyclists while attempting to overtake them on the road.

Video footage recorded by a member of the North Georgia Cycling Association (NGCA) captured a black Honda Pilot striking two cyclists as they rode along a street approximately an hour outside of Atlanta on Thursday.

The driver, identified as 72-year-old Jerry Ross, reportedly approached the cycling group on Sugar Pike Road and began honking his horn, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by 11 Alive.

The authorities stated that Ross then accelerated past the group, despite clear conditions with no oncoming traffic, and hit two of the cyclists before fleeing the scene.

The injured cyclists received medical attention at the scene for their injuries, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.

Injured cyclist Richard Collins told Atlanta News First he was thrown from his bike and suffered soft tissue damage and road rash.

‘Once I turned around, the vehicle was right on my left leg. Very easily, things could have gone worse,’ Collins said. 

‘It’s a lot of mass to take on asphalt. It never feels good to hit the deck on concrete. I’m very hopeful that within the next week, I’ll be back on my bike.’

Terrifying footage captured by a member of the 10-person cyclist group showed the black Honda pilot hit two people as they all rode down the street

Police say Ross ‘accelerated around the group and, despite no oncoming traffic, struck two of the riders before leaving the scene’

Officials were able to track down the vehicle thanks to the footage captured by one of the cyclists and identified the driver as Ross.

‘One cyclist riding behind the group captured the incident on video. The cyclists were also able to provide a tag number, which deputies used to quickly identify and locate the suspect,’ the sheriff’s office said.  

Police identified the driver as Jerry Ross, 72

The cyclist who recorded the video, Joel Eaby, told the local news station he felt Ross was becoming aggressive and decided to film.

‘I happened to be the last person in our cycling group, and this guy was just laying on the horn,’ he said.

‘We know that sometimes getting stuck behind a group of cyclists can be an inconvenience, but that inconvenience usually only lasts a few minutes.’

Ross was located ‘not far from the incident location’ and police ‘observed damage to the passenger side of the vehicle consistent with the incident.’

‘When questioned, Ross acknowledged the encounter and claimed the cyclists were in the roadway, blaming them for the collision,’ the sheriff’s office said.

Ross was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, hit and run, reckless driving, aggressive driving and failure to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle. 

The two injured cyclists were treated on the scene for their injuries

Records indicate he is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center without bond. It is unclear when his next court appearance will be.

The NGCA confirmed on Facebook that the incident involved its members and call on drivers to share the road.

‘We are grateful to law enforcement and emergency services for their swift response and professionalism,’ the group wrote. 

‘We encourage all road users to follow the rules of the road, stay alert, and respect one another. Sharing the road responsibly helps keep everyone safe.’

The group added, ‘We also encourage everyone to treat one another with care, patience and kindness – on and off the road.

‘Most importantly, we are thankful that those involved made it home safely to their loved ones.’

In a significant recovery mission, federal agents have successfully retrieved 15 industrial drones designed for dispersing substantial quantities of liquid chemicals. These drones had been stolen from a company in New Jersey, as confirmed by officials involved in the operation.

The drones in question, known as Ceres Air C31 industrial spray drones, were taken from CAC International, a logistics and shipping firm based in Harrison, New Jersey. The theft occurred on March 24 and raised alarm bells among experts, with some describing the situation as a potential “nightmare scenario,” according to reports from The High Side Substack.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Newark announced the recovery of these drones, which took place in Dover, New Jersey, more than a month after they were initially stolen. This operation underscores the seriousness with which authorities treated the incident given the drones’ capabilities.

The stolen drones were finally reclaimed by HSI agents on April 27. This recovery was facilitated by collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, who had previously informed Fox News that the drones were found at Prudent Corporation, a trucking company with a warehouse located at the site.

The New Jersey State Police said in an earlier statement to Fox News that the drones were recovered at Prudent Corporation, a trucking company that has a warehouse at the location.

“On April 27th, the New Jersey State Police Cargo Theft Unit recovered 15 stolen agricultural drones and spray systems. These drones are labeled as agricultural drones due to their specified function as registered crop dusters. The theft occurred on March 24th at CAC International, a logistics and shipping company located in Harrison, NJ. The drones were recovered at Prudent Corporation located in Dover, NJ. This is an active, ongoing investigation that Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Patrol are assisting with. No additional information is available,” the New Jersey State Police wrote.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Ceres Air said “at no point was there a risk of unauthorized use.”

“Ceres systems are built with multiple layers of control, including secure activation protocols, remote lock capability, and separated battery logistics. Without proper authorization, these units cannot be operated,” the company said. 

“This situation highlights a broader reality in the drone industry. When systems are built and supported domestically, there is accountability. Our equipment is fully traceable through serial tracking and coordinated support networks, all of which exist within the USA. It doesn’t disappear, and it doesn’t operate outside of controlled channels. We build our systems in the United States so they can be tracked, secured, and supported here. That’s exactly what allowed this situation to be resolved quickly and without risk.”

Homeland Security Investigations Newark said on Wednesday that the drones were recovered in Dover, New Jersey, over a month after they were stolen. (iStock)

In total, a Ceres Air C31 costs around $58,000, meaning that nearly $870,000 of equipment was allegedly stolen. 

The drones were allegedly stolen by a delivery driver who duped the company, according to The High Side Substack. The report said that a fraudulent bill of lading was shown when picking up the drones, and CAC International allegedly considered them legitimate.

The drones are equipped to hold and spray up to 40 gallons of liquid chemicals, reportedly causing concern inside the U.S. government.

Former FBI agent Steve Lazarus said the drones could be a danger to the public.

“Even common chemicals, used improperly, can be a public safety danger. Throw in the Internet recipes for biological and chemical weapons that anyone with a Tor browser has access to, and this is a potential nightmare scenario,” Lazarus said in an interview with The High Side.

“These aren’t hobby drones with cameras. They’re industrial sprayers designed to carry and disperse significant amounts of liquid quickly and with precision.”

Fifteen Ceres Air C31 industrial spray drones were stolen from CAC International, a logistics and shipping company in Harrison, New Jersey, on March 24. (iStock)

The U.S. Army raised concerns in a 2020 report, stating that such chemical-spraying drones could be used in attacks.

“Such drones are readily available and could be used as a delivery system for chemical or biological attacks,” said the report.

“A UAS [chemical or biological warfare] delivery platform is a definite possibility, especially for developing nations,” the report said.