Government agencies issued a joint statement Monday regarding their ongoing investigation into mysterious drone sightings reported across the United States over the past several weeks, primarily in New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense said the agencies “acknowledge the concerns” but have no evidence that drones are “anomalous” or pose a threat to humans. He said no. National security or public safety.
The statement said the FBI has received more than 5,000 reports of suspected drone sightings “in the past few weeks” and has generated about 100 leads.
Advanced detection techniques and trained visual observers were deployed to northeastern states to assist local and state authorities in their investigations.
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Four government agencies said drone sightings reported in New Jersey (pictured above) and other states across the country do not pose a risk to national security or public safety. (Nicholas Rody)
“After careful review of technical data and information from relevant members of the public, sightings to date include a combination of legal commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones, as well as accidental incidents of manned fixed-wing aircraft. , helicopters, and Star reported as “drones.''
Officials say their studies so far have found no risks, but they urge Congress to enact legislation to “expand and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate emerging threats” once Congress returns. I'm looking for it.
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Officials briefly mentioned drone sightings over military installations, including in restricted airspace in New Jersey and other states, but said it was “not new.”
A map showing recent drone sightings in Monmouth County, New Jersey, home to Naval Weapons Station Earle. (Courtesy of Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)
“The Department of Defense takes unauthorized access in our airspace seriously and will work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities as appropriate,” the statement said. “Local commanders are actively working to ensure appropriate detection and mitigation measures are in place.”
Public News founder Michael Shellenberger responded to the statement about X, criticizing the Biden administration for admitting there were drones in restricted airspace after initially saying there were no .
“Three days ago, Biden officials emphasized that drones were not invading restricted airspace,” he wrote. “Now the Biden administration (DHS) has acknowledged, in a nonchalant, 'no big deal' way, that there was a drone incursion over a US military base. Of course.”
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The statement said there are more than 1 million drones legally registered in the United States, with thousands of them flying “at any given time” for commercial, hobby or law enforcement purposes.
“That number is expected to increase over time as the technology landscape evolves,” the statement said.
DHS, FBI, FAA and Department of Defense said they will continue to assist law enforcement agencies in investigating drone sightings.
