Recent drone sightings reported across the country include a mix of lawful drones, other aircraft, and even celestial objects, federal officials said Monday. A joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense detailed the findings, which were based on technical data and tips from concerned citizens.
“We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement read.
The FBI has received over 5,000 reported drone sightings in recent weeks, generating approximately 100 investigative leads. Federal agencies are working with local officials to investigate the reports and have deployed advanced detection technology and trained visual observers to assist in the effort.
Drone activity has raised alarm in several Northeastern states, particularly New Jersey, over the past month. However, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby assured reporters Monday that the sightings do not pose a national security or public safety risk. His remarks aligned with the joint federal statement, which acknowledged community concerns but downplayed the threat.
“We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and law enforcement assistance,” the agencies said. They also urged Congress to enact expanded counter-unmanned aircraft systems legislation to strengthen the ability to identify and mitigate potential threats.
President Trump addressed the issue Monday, suggesting the drones are not linked to a hostile adversary. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, Trump implied that the Biden administration is withholding information about the sightings.
“The government knows what is happening. Look, our military knows where they took off from—if it’s a garage, they can go right into that garage. They know where it came from and where it went,” Trump said.
“For some reason, they don’t want to comment,” he added. “I think they’d be better off saying what it is. Our military knows, and our president knows, and for some reason, they want to keep people in suspense.”
Read the joint statement here.
