The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said they had found no evidence to suggest the clusters of drones flying over New Jersey posed a threat to the public, though they provided little other information about the mysterious sightings sweeping the Garden State. caused a stir.
The agencies added in a joint statement released Thursday that they have no reason to believe the planes are linked to a “foreign connection.”
“Upon review of the available images, it appears that many of the reported sightings are in fact manned aircraft operating legally,” the statement said. “There have been no reported or confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace.”
It comes after the White House issued a statement earlier this week shooting down speculation that the drones came from an Iranian “mothership” anchored off the east coast.
Governor Phil Murphy has also worked to calm spooked residents in the weeks since the drone sightings began. He has repeatedly said they pose no threat to the public and that the matter remains under investigation.
The drone sightings in New Jersey began in November, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Residents reported the “fixed-wing aircraft,” some in packs as large as eight, flying through the skies over central and northern New Jersey, including near Donald Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal military base in Rockaway.
There are also unconfirmed reports of drones flying over New York, including near LaGuardia Airport. On Thursday, New York City’s Department of Emergency Management addressed the sightings and said no official reports of drone activity had been received.
“We take seriously the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports,” the FBI and DHS said.
“To be clear, they have not detected any such malicious activity or intent at this stage,” the statement concluded. “While there is no known malicious activity in New Jersey, the reported sightings there highlight the inadequacy of current authorities.”
