Federal agencies dismiss national security threat as mysterious drone sightings continue to baffle officials and residents across multiple states.
At a Glance
- DHS and FBI state no evidence of national security threat from reported drone sightings
- Up to 180 drone sightings per night reported in New Jersey alone
- Officials demand transparency and federal action amid growing concerns
- Many sightings may be manned aircraft or misidentified objects, according to agencies
- No confirmed drone activity in restricted airspace or over military installations
Federal Agencies Downplay Drone Threat Amid Mounting Public Concern
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly declared that the recent flurry of drone sightings across multiple northeastern states poses no immediate threat to national security.
Uh, yeah, OK.
Hardly believable, is it?
This statement comes as a response to growing public anxiety and demands for action from local and state officials who have reported an alarming number of unidentified aerial objects in their jurisdictions.
Despite the reassurances from federal agencies, the situation has left many questioning the government’s ability to protect our airspace and identify potential threats. Reports indicate up to 180 drone sightings per night in New Jersey alone, with additional sightings in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The scale and sophistication of these reported drones have raised eyebrows, as they are described as larger and more advanced than typical hobbyist drones.
Today, the @FBI and DHS jointly issued a statement on reported drone sightings in New Jersey ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/kzbmTzjvkr
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 12, 2024
If they don’t pose a threat, why can’t we catch them and explain where they are coming from? And if we don’t know where they are coming from, how do we know they don’t pose a threat?
The federal response has been met with skepticism and frustration from local leaders and members of Congress. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) voiced the concerns of many when she stated:
“What is happening is outrageous. Thousands of drones and unmanned aerial systems flying above us, and our government is not telling us who’s operating them and for what purpose.”
This sentiment is echoed by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who expressed disbelief at the apparent lack of information from federal agencies. The disconnect between local reports and federal assessments has only fueled speculation and demands for transparency.
Despite the outcry, the DHS and FBI refuse to budge from their contentious claims.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
Both agencies suggested that many reported sightings may be cases of mistaken identity, with manned aircraft or other objects being misidentified as drones. They also note that no electronic detection methods have corroborated the visual sightings, and no confirmed drone activity has been observed in restricted airspace or over military installations.
This just doesn’t smell right, does it?
