WASHINGTON, DC -- WITH over 5,000 drone sightings reported across the New Jersey area, US law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to address public concerns as the situation has led to significant flight disruptions.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed frustration, while US President-Elect Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for allegedly withholding information from the public.
In a joint statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), and Department of Defense (DoD) noted that over one million drones are lawfully registered with the FAA in the United States. On any given day, thousands of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones are in operation.
The statement revealed that the FBI has received more than 5,000 tips about drone activity over the past few weeks, generating approximately 100 investigative leads. Federal agencies are working alongside state and local authorities to investigate these reports.
“Consistent with each of our unique missions and authorities, we are quickly working to prioritize and follow these leads. We have sent advanced detection technology to the region. And we have sent trained visual observers,” the statement read.
According to the agencies, upon analyzing technical data and tips provided by citizens, the agencies concluded that the reported sightings include a combination of lawful drones—commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement—along with manned aircraft, helicopters, and even stars mistaken for drones.
“We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast,” the statement read.
Acknowledging widespread public concern, the agencies emphasized continued support for state and local authorities with advanced detection tools. They also called on Congress to pass counter-UAS legislation that would enhance federal capabilities to identify and mitigate potential threats.
“Additionally, there have been a limited number of visual sightings of drones over military facilities in New Jersey and elsewhere, including within restricted air space," the statement noted. "Such sightings near or over DoD installations are not new. DoD takes unauthorized access over its airspace seriously and coordinates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, as appropriate. Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place."
US officials reaffirmed their commitment to public safety while continuing their investigations and monitoring efforts.
