DHS, FBI, FAA, and DoD Issue Joint Statement on Drone Sightings
In response to growing public demand for answers, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) have issued a joint statement addressing the recent surge of drone sightings over New Jersey and New York.
“There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the FAA in the United States, and there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones legally operating in the skies on any given day. With advancements in technology, we anticipate that number will continue to rise,” the statement began.
The agencies further noted, “FBI has received tips of more than 5,000 reported drone sightings in the last few weeks with approximately 100 leads generated, and the federal government is supporting state and local officials in investigating these reports. Consistent with each of our unique missions and authorities, we are quickly working to prioritize and follow these leads. We have sent advanced detection technology to the region. And we have sent trained visual observers.”
After evaluating reports, the agencies continued, “Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones. We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast.”
Acknowledging public concerns, the statement added, “That said, we recognize the concern among many communities. We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement. We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge.”
Regarding drones near military installations, it noted, “Additionally, there have been a limited number of visual sightings of drones over military facilities in New Jersey and elsewhere, including within restricted air space. Such sightings near or over DoD installations are not new. DoD takes unauthorized access over its airspace seriously and coordinates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, as appropriate. Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place.”
Meanwhile, the FBI’s Newark office has cautioned the public against attempting to shoot down unmanned drones, emphasizing the risks of such actions.
The federal response has drawn criticism, with some accusing officials of worsening the situation by withholding information and avoiding direct explanations. Pressure continues to mount, with members of the House Intelligence Committee expected to receive a briefing on the matter on Tuesday.
President-elect Donald Trump also shared his perspective on the unidentified drones during a statement from Mar-a-Lago. Speaking alongside SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, who announced a $100 billion investment plan for the U.S. over the next four years, Trump took questions from reporters, including one about the mysterious sightings.
When asked about the drones over New Jersey, Trump remarked, “The government knows what is happening. Look, our military knows where they took off from. If it’s a garage, they can go right into that garage. They know where it came from and where it went. And for some reason, they don’t want to comment.”
He went on to say, “I think they’d be better off saying what it is our military knows and what our president knows. And for some reason, they want to keep people in suspense.”
Trump dismissed the possibility of a foreign adversary being involved, stating, “I can’t imagine it’s the enemy because it was the enemy that blasted out. Even if they were late, that blast it.” Reflecting on the unusual circumstances, he added, “Something strange is going on. For some reason, they don’t want to tell the people and they should because the people are really—I mean, they happen to be over Bedminster. We know that. We are very … they’re very close to Bedminster. I think maybe I won’t spend the weekend in Bedminster. I’ve decided to cancel my trip.”
When asked whether he had received an intelligence briefing on the drones, Trump declined to elaborate, simply stating, “I don’t want to comment on that.”