The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a joint statement Friday addressing recent drone sightings in New Jersey, claiming there is no evidence the drones pose a national security or public safety risk, making these claims without being able to identify the drone invasion.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” the agencies stated. They suggested that some reports may be due to misidentified manned aircraft operating lawfully in the area.
Federal investigators are working with the New Jersey State Police to determine the nature of the sightings, using personnel and advanced detection technology to verify the reports. “We have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection,” the statement revealed.
Although federal officials have found no signs of malicious activity, they pointed to gaps in current regulations governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). “The reported sightings…highlight the insufficiency of current authorities,” the statement added, underscoring the need for expanded oversight.
Drone sightings have also been reported in Oregon and New York, adding to public concerns about the devices’ origins and intentions. President-elect Donald Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity, posting on Truth Social, “Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I [don’t] think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, [shoot] them down!”
As investigations continue, the growing prevalence of drone sightings has raised questions about the adequacy of existing detection and enforcement mechanisms. Critics argue that more proactive measures are needed to address public concerns.
