DHS, FBI say drone reports pose no national security threat
Federal agencies address drone sightings, no threat identified
The Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense issued a joint statement addressing widespread reports of drone sightings across the Northeast, including over military facilities. While acknowledging public concern, the agencies say they have not identified any anomalies or threats to public safety or national security.
The Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense issued a joint statement addressing widespread reports of drone sightings across the Northeast, including over military facilities.
While acknowledging public concern, the agencies say they have not identified any anomalies or threats to public safety or national security.
According to the FBI, more than 5,000 reports of drone sightings have been received in recent weeks, generating approximately 100 leads.
Mysterious drones spotted in Maryland; officials investigating
FOX 5 has received video of what viewers believe are drones the size of cars flying over Bowie, Maryland.
Federal officials, alongside state and local authorities, are working to investigate these reports. Advanced detection technology and trained visual observers have been deployed to assist in the response.
"Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the agencies said in the statement.
The federal government emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest the reported drone activity poses a safety or security risk.
Despite this assessment, officials acknowledged the growing unease among residents and called on Congress to take action. "We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge," the statement read.
No real answers on drones spotted over at least 6 states
Americans across the country are still asking for answers after multiple large drones were seen over at least six states, including Maryland and Virginia, in the past couple of weeks. The federal government has continued to downplay the sightings but says the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating.
In addition to civilian airspace, a small number of drone sightings have been reported near restricted military airspace in New Jersey and other areas. The Department of Defense noted such incidents are not new but stressed its commitment to addressing unauthorized access over military installations.
"Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place," officials stated, adding that DoD coordinates closely with law enforcement when necessary.
Trump on NJ drone mystery: 'The government knows what is happening'
President-elect Donald Trump said "the government knows what is happening" when asked about the New Jersey drone mystery during a wide-ranging Monday morning news conference..
With more than one million drones registered with the FAA across the United States, officials expect drone activity to increase as technology evolves. Federal agencies pledged to continue supporting state and local authorities with detection technology while monitoring the situation closely.