Since drones were initially seen hovering over several New Jersey counties almost a month ago, the identity of the person in control of the aircraft has remained unclear.
There is no proof that the drones are a threat to public safety or national security, according to a joint statement released by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday.
The FBI and DHS said they had examined drone photos and were collaborating with New Jersey officials. According to the agencies, the aircraft appears to be staffed and operating lawfully in the region. Drone sightings in restricted airspace have not been reported, they said.
The united statement made it clear that there was no proof of malevolent intent or behavior. Even while there isn’t any documented harmful activity taking place in New Jersey, the sightings that have been recorded there do show how inadequate the existing authorities are.
“The drones residents have seen are not US military drones and do not appear to be from a foreign country or entity,” White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby told reporters Thursday, according to the Asbury Park Press, a member of the USA TODAY network.
But according to the Asbury Park Press, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra of New Jersey asserted that the DHS conveyed a very different message to lawmakers on Wednesday.
This week, officials provided lawmakers with detailed information about the drones, including the fact that they fly in swarms, according to Kanitra.
According to officials, the drones have an exceptional battery life and can fly for six to seven hours. They were also not detected by the federal government’s radar, which is an electro-optical infrared camera. Drones are typically detectable by the camera from a distance of 1 to 2 miles, or 10 miles for larger aerial vehicles.
According to a source, Kanitra stated, “We think we’d know if it was ours or our government’s.”
Here is what transpired before this week’s drone announcement from the White House.
When were the drones first spotted?
The drones are big, six feet in diameter, and usually fly at night between dark and 11 p.m., lawmakers and witnesses said, according to the Asbury Park Press.
We have seen the drones multiple times since our initial sighting on November 18.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office first claimed that the drones were spotted by law enforcement. According to the prosecutor’s office, at the time, there was no known threat to public safety.
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration said that at first, it could uncover no proof of drone operation.
Which agencies are investigating?
Investigating authorities include the FBI, DHS, FAA, and New Jersey state and local officials, though it is unknown who is flying the drones.
According to a U.S. Northern Command official who talked to the Asbury Park Press, the command had not been asked for help with the drone probe, but it had carried out a purposeful analysis of the events in consultation with other military organizations and interagency partners.
For its part, the command will keep evaluating new information and is ready to react if necessary or if the situation worsens to the point where it threatens any Department of Defense installations.
Where have the drones been spotted?
According to the Asbury Park Press, Homeland Security officials confirmed this week that an unmanned craft flew over the National Guard, Picatinny Arsenal, and Naval Weapons Station Earle.
The publication reported that late Sunday night, a 47-foot Coast Guard boat was harassed by almost a dozen drones.
During a briefing Wednesday, State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan said a State Police helicopter was hovering over one of the drones, according to New Jersey Assemblyman Greg Myhre.
During the briefing, Callahan explained that the drone’s lights went out as soon as the helicopter hovered over it. Then, for safety, the helicopter retreated.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew also said on Fox News on Wednesday that the drones might be coming from an Iranian ship near the U.S. East Coast, a claim that officials have subsequently refuted.
“We should shoot down these drones,” Van Drew said. Whether it was Iran, which I believe is a plausible possibility, or some insane hobbyist we can’t imagine, we should shoot down these drones.
State and local authorities are responsible for any action against the drones, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Wednesday.
Singh informed the gathering that local law enforcement makes that decision. They always have the right to self-defense if a drone or any other activity poses a threat to military sites.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.