White House national security communications adviser John Kirby claimed Thursday that many of the alleged drone sightings over New Jersey over the past few weeks are actually legally operating manned aircraft. did.
“There is currently no evidence that the reported drone sightings pose a threat to national security or public safety or have any foreign ties,” Kirby told reporters at the daily White House briefing. ” he said. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are investigating these sightings, working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies and using a variety of detection methods to better understand their origins. and provide resources.”
“Despite the use of highly sophisticated electronic detection technology provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to corroborate the reported visual sightings, nor have we been able to corroborate them with state or local law enforcement officials. No,” Kirby said. “On the contrary, upon reviewing available images, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually legally operating manned aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard is providing assistance to New Jersey. , providing assistance to New Jersey. There is no evidence of foreign-based involvement by coastal vessels, and importantly, there have been no reported or confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace.”
Brian Harrell, who served as the assistant secretary for infrastructure protection at the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump administration, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that Kirby missed an important opportunity to build trust with the public.
“The government has a unique opportunity to build trust with the American people here, and they are fumbling with the ball,” Harrell said. “Yes, we need additional authorities. But today we have the tools and radar capabilities to understand the details of these drones. I don't think foreign countries are involved, but governments or It is clear that the contractors are testing their capabilities.”
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Recognizing the potential threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, Kirby appeared to shift the blame to Congress, calling for it to “expand existing counter-authorities.”
White House National Security and Public Affairs Advisor John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House on December 12, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
“We certainly take seriously the threats that unmanned aircraft systems may pose, which is why law enforcement and other agencies must ensure that even if no malicious activity or intent is revealed at this stage, “We continue to support the state of New Jersey and investigate the reports,” Kirby said Thursday. “While no known malicious activity is occurring, reported sightings highlight gaps between authorities, and we urge Congress to expand existing counter-drone powers. , we urge you to pass important legislation that prepares us to identify, mitigate potential threats to airports and other critical infrastructure, and empower state and local governments to respond to such threats. We provide you with all the tools you need. ”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Thursday criticized a lack of information coming out of the White House.
“There should be a very urgent intelligence analysis and they should be removed from the air, especially if they are flying over airports or military bases,” Blumenthal said, according to The Independent. “The Biden administration should be more aggressive about these reported drones, if only to tell the American people what they are, who owns them, who is operating them. Lack of information is completely unacceptable.”
In this image taken from a video provided by MartyA45_, multiple drones appear to fly over Randolph, New Jersey on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (via MartyA45_ /TMX AP, file)
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Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the reported drones do not appear to pose a threat to public safety, but many state and city council members still do not operate the drones. They are calling for stricter rules on who can do so. The FBI is one of several agencies investigating and is asking residents to share any videos, photos or other information they may have about the drone.
The drone was initially spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds Round Valley Reservoir, the state's largest aquifer, about 80 miles west of New York City.
But soon sightings were reported across the state, including near Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster, the Associated Press reported.
The aircraft has also been spotted in coastal areas recently.
Presidential Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre looks on as National Security and Public Affairs Advisor John Kirby answers questions in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on December 12, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R.N.J., was told by the Coast Guard commander that more than a dozen drones were flying close to a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Lighthouse and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend. He said he was told he was being followed.
The Asbury Park Press reported that during a Congressional hearing on the issue, FBI Deputy Director Robert Wheeler said the FBI does not know who is responsible for the drones spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks. I testified. Smith said he was told by officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst that they did not have permission from the Pentagon to shoot down the unknown aircraft tracking the boat and recover it for analysis.
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Smith said in an interview with Fox News that he has written to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asking for permission.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
