U.S. Security Agencies Say Drone Flights in New Jersey Are Not a Security Threat

U.S. law enforcement and security agencies have stated in a joint statement that the sighting of thousands of drones over the northeastern states in the past month is 'not unusual' and poses no threat to national security or public safety. This statement, released on Tuesday, December 18, by the FBI, the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security, noted that the FBI has received over five thousand calls from the public regarding drone sightings over New Jersey and other states in recent weeks. The results of these calls have been reviewed by state law enforcement agencies and the FBI in the form of 100 leads. The statement added, 'After a thorough examination of the technical data and information provided by citizens, we have concluded that all observed cases in the sky were legal commercial drones, recreational drones, law enforcement drones, and a number of airplanes, helicopters, and even stars that people mistook for drones.' The numerous sightings of drones at night in New Jersey and neighboring states have been newsworthy since late November, causing concern among residents and speculation on social media. Some residents have called for investigations and accountability from responsible agencies. Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, also called for further clarification from the government regarding the drone sightings over New Jersey. Criticizing the Biden administration, he said, 'Something strange is going on. For some reason, they don’t want to tell the people.' Mr. Trump, referring to the proximity of the drones to his golf club in New Jersey, added that he has decided to cancel his weekend trip to that location. However, law enforcement sources told news agencies that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have deployed infrared cameras and drone tracking technology in these areas to ensure the safety of drone flights over New Jersey and New York. The FBI stated last week that dozens of federal and state agencies are investigating this issue and tracking and identifying 'illegal and criminal' drone flights. In this extensive investigation, images shared on social media have also been reviewed, and according to law enforcement agencies, the flying object in most videos and photos has been ordinary airplanes or helicopters. The joint statement from U.S. law enforcement and security agencies emphasizes that in this investigation 'no unusual cases have been observed, and this phenomenon does not pose a danger to national security or public safety in the skies over New Jersey and other northeastern states.' The statement added that they understand the concerns of some residents in these areas and that support for local law enforcement agencies, including the deployment of advanced technologies for tracking and identifying flying objects, will continue.