WASHINGTON — The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement Thursday addressing reports of drone sightings in New Jersey, confirming there is no evidence that the incidents pose a national security threat, a public safety risk, or are linked to foreign entities.
Federal agencies, in coordination with the New Jersey State Police, are actively investigating the sightings, deploying personnel and technology to determine whether the reported drones are, in fact, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or potentially manned aircraft.
“Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities,” the statement read. Officials have reviewed available imagery and noted that many of the sightings appear to involve lawfully operating manned aircraft rather than drones. Furthermore, there have been no confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace.
While investigators have uncovered no malicious activity or intent, the reports have drawn attention to the limitations of existing legal authorities governing unmanned aerial systems. The agencies affirmed their ongoing commitment to supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey and monitoring the situation closely.
Federal authorities emphasized that any potential threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems is taken seriously, though no credible danger has been identified at this time.
