FBI, DHS Claim No Evidence Links NJ Drone Sightings To Security Threat
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement Friday addressing reports of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, claiming they have found no evidence the drones pose a national security or public safety threat.
While there may be no evidence directly indicating the drones are a threat, they can’t know that there is no threat without being able to identify the source of the drones.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” the agencies stated. They also suggested that many of the sightings could be attributed to manned aircraft operating lawfully rather than unmanned drones.
The joint statement emphasized that federal agencies are working alongside the New Jersey State Police to investigate the situation. “Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities,” the statement read. Investigators have deployed advanced detection methods to corroborate the reports but have not confirmed any of the sightings electronically.
While the agencies insist there is no evidence of malicious activity, they acknowledged gaps in current authorities regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). “The reported sightings…highlight the insufficiency of current authorities,” they said, stressing the need for improved regulations.
The statement comes amid reports of similar drone sightings in Oregon and New York, raising concerns among residents and fueling speculation about the drones’ origins. President-elect Donald Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, writing, “Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I [don’t] think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, [shoot] them down!”
As investigations continue, questions remain about whether current detection and enforcement capabilities are sufficient to address public concerns.
