The FBI said Monday that a laser was shining into the eyes of the pilot of a plane that was mistaken for a drone, amid a growing number of mysterious sightings in recent days.
“The FBI in Newark and the New Jersey State Police are warning the public that an increasing number of pilots of manned aircraft are being lasered in the eye because people on the ground think they are seeing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).” We want to warn you,” the FBI field office said. newark said in a statement Posted on social platform X.
“There are also concerns about the possibility of people firing weapons at what they believe to be unmanned aircraft, but may be manned aircraft,” they added.
Over the past month, drone sightings have rocked several states in the Northeast, particularly New Jersey. Federal officials said Monday that recent drone sightings include a combination of “legal” drones, other aircraft and stellar vehicles.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Defense (DOD) said in a joint statement that they are “aware of the concerns of many communities.”
“We will continue to support state and local governments with advanced detection technology and law enforcement support. We urge Congress to enact countermeasures. [unmanned aircraft systems] “When we reconvene, we will enact legislation that expands and expands existing anti-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threats that may emerge,” they added.
Drone sightings have garnered attention in recent days, prompting some officials like President-elect Trump to urge the U.S. military to shoot down the unknown objects.
But experts say such actions should be avoided, as debris from a drone falling from the sky, which could be a legitimate plane or helicopter or even a harmless aircraft, could threaten people and property below. It is recommended not to do so.
“Dangerous and potentially deadly consequences can occur if a manned aircraft is mistakenly targeted as a UAS,” the FBI's Newark field office said in a statement Monday.
“There are a variety of websites and mobile applications accessible to the public through various government agencies and private companies that provide information on the flight paths of manned aircraft, satellites in Earth's orbit, and the stars and planets visible on any given evening. “This will help determine if people are watching. It's a UAS or something.”
The news comes as the White House, Pentagon and President Biden dismiss the sightings, insisting there is no national security threat and no evidence of foreign enemy involvement.
