WASHINGTON—The White House on Dec. 12 sought to allay concerns over recent mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, stating that they do not pose a threat to U.S. national security.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security, or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing.
So far, no reported visual sighting has been corroborated, Kirby added.
“To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,” he said.
Dozens of mysterious drones were first reported on Nov. 13 in Morris and Hunterdon counties, raising concern among residents and officials. Sightings have spread to more than a dozen areas, including Monmouth, Ocean, and Camden counties.
Kirby said that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are still investigating the sightings to determine their origin. The United States Coast Guard, which is also assisting with the investigation, has found no evidence of foreign involvement from coastal vessels.
“And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace,” Kirby said.
Witnesses have reported that the drones were large, about the size of an SUV, and often traveled in groups.
Part of the worry stemmed from the fact that the flying objects were initially spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, as well as near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told reporters on Dec. 9 that their technology appeared to be “very sophisticated.”
“The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark,” he said.
Following the White House press briefing, the FBI and DHS issued a statement saying that they continue to “investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.”
“Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities,” the statement reads.
Lawmakers and local officials have been expressing concerns and demanding more answers.
Booker said he recognized “the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations” but urged the officials to release any available information in order to avoid spreading “rumors, fear, and misinformation.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Dec. 12 that he expected to receive a classified briefing soon about the drone sightings, calling them “a quandary.”
While law enforcement and other agencies have found no indication of malicious activity or intent at this stage, Kirby said the reported sightings expose a gap in threat prevention.
He urged Congress to pass legislation that would “extend and expand existing counter drone authorities” so that the government can mitigate potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure.
