Authorities dismiss concerns about NJ drone as online speculation intensifies
Agencies looking into the aircraft sightings stated that, although the origins of the craft remain unknown, they currently have no evidence to suggest that these sightings represent any threat to national security or public safety.
TroibNews 
Government officials are continuing to downplay any potential threats posed by mysterious aircraft that have recently appeared in the New Jersey sky, despite increasing concern and speculation on social media.
In a call with reporters on Saturday, agencies involved in investigating the series of aircraft sightings stressed that while the origins of the craft remain unknown, they currently have no reason to believe that these aircraft present a national security or public safety threat, nor do they believe they are operated by foreign entities. Instead, officials appeared to dismiss the sightings as examples of irresponsible — but legal — aircraft operation.
Reports of drone sightings began in New Jersey in mid-November, alarming residents and leading to calls, including one from President-elect Donald Trump, to take action against them. Many areas in U.S. airspace allow drones to be flown legally below 400 feet. Since November, additional sightings of unidentified aircraft have also been reported in New York and Maryland.
Lawmakers are pressing federal agencies for answers regarding the aircraft sightings as suspicions regarding their origins grow. On Friday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s investigations panel, requested a briefing on the drone reports from the leaders of the Federal Aviation Administration, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Department. Others have proposed various theories, including New Jersey Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who suggested on Wednesday that the drones might be launched from an Iranian “mothership” offshore. The Pentagon has categorically rejected that assertion.
However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted that many reported drone sightings are actually misidentified manned aircraft, reiterating a statement made by the agency on Thursday. While agencies such as DHS, FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration continue to investigate the sightings, spokespeople have indicated that the inquiry has exposed the legal limitations of the federal government's authority in countering drones.
Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this report.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a call with reporters on Saturday, agencies involved in investigating the series of aircraft sightings stressed that while the origins of the craft remain unknown, they currently have no reason to believe that these aircraft present a national security or public safety threat, nor do they believe they are operated by foreign entities. Instead, officials appeared to dismiss the sightings as examples of irresponsible — but legal — aircraft operation.
Reports of drone sightings began in New Jersey in mid-November, alarming residents and leading to calls, including one from President-elect Donald Trump, to take action against them. Many areas in U.S. airspace allow drones to be flown legally below 400 feet. Since November, additional sightings of unidentified aircraft have also been reported in New York and Maryland.
Lawmakers are pressing federal agencies for answers regarding the aircraft sightings as suspicions regarding their origins grow. On Friday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s investigations panel, requested a briefing on the drone reports from the leaders of the Federal Aviation Administration, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Department. Others have proposed various theories, including New Jersey Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who suggested on Wednesday that the drones might be launched from an Iranian “mothership” offshore. The Pentagon has categorically rejected that assertion.
However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted that many reported drone sightings are actually misidentified manned aircraft, reiterating a statement made by the agency on Thursday. While agencies such as DHS, FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration continue to investigate the sightings, spokespeople have indicated that the inquiry has exposed the legal limitations of the federal government's authority in countering drones.
Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this report.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
