The FBI issued a warning to drone hunters after several pilots reported being blinded by lasers fired into the sky by people who mistook planes for drones.
The FBI's Newark Division, along with the New Jersey State Police, alerted residents that “manned aircraft pilots are increasingly being hit with lasers in the eyes because people on the ground thought they were looking at unmanned aircraft systems.” In response, they are calling on residents to stop doing so. said in a statement.
Federal authorities are also concerned that people could shoot down what they believe is a drone but is actually a captured aircraft.
“If a manned aircraft is accidentally targeted, there can be dangerous and deadly consequences. [drones]” said FBI Newark.
New Jersey residents have been plagued by drone sightings in the skies for weeks, leaving locals and elected officials alike feeling dizzy.
The federal government's drone sighting tip line received more than 5,000 reports, but “fewer than 100 were deemed worthy of further investigative action,” the FBI said.
White House Press Secretary John Kirby said Monday that the drones soaring over the Garden State can be mistaken for legal commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, and even manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and even drones. He said it was a combination of stars.
