For weeks, New Jersey residents have been captivated—and concerned—by reports of mysterious drones flying over the state. But the White House now claims many of these sightings may not be drones at all.
At a press briefing on Thursday, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said investigations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI indicate that many of the objects are “lawfully operated manned aircraft.”
“Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies, neither federal nor state and local law enforcement have been able to corroborate the reported drone sightings,” Kirby said. “To the contrary, available imagery suggests that many of the sightings are actually manned aircraft.”
Kirby emphasized there is “no evidence” the aircraft pose a threat to national security or public safety. The Coast Guard has also ruled out foreign involvement, confirming no sightings near restricted airspace or originating from coastal vessels.
Kirby also urged Congress to expand counter-drone authorities to better address such incidents in the future. “We certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems,” he said. “We urge Congress to pass legislation to extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities so state and local agencies have the tools they need.”
The sightings began along the Raritan River and Round Valley Reservoir but have since been reported statewide, including near sensitive locations like the Picatinny Arsenal, President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, and coastal areas near Barnegat Light. A Coast Guard lifeboat reportedly encountered a dozen drones trailing it closely, Rep. Chris Smith revealed during a hearing.
Smith said officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst lack permission from the Department of Defense to intercept or retrieve the unknown aircraft. He has written to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging authorization to take more aggressive action.
Meanwhile, the FBI has requested public assistance, asking residents to share photos, videos, or other evidence related to the sightings as investigations continue.