White House Confirms Most New Jersey Drones Were FAA-Approved: "This Was Not a Threat"
The mysterious drones that sparked concern across New Jersey last year were largely authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House clarified.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that most of the drones seen flying over New Jersey last year were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), easing concerns about potential security threats that had been swirling in the community.
The widespread sightings of mysterious drones flying over New Jersey and other East Coast states, mostly during the night, had caused panic among residents and even led to an airport closure at one point. Speculation quickly spread online, with conspiracy theories and misinformation running rampant about the drones' origin.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue at a briefing, revealing that the FAA had given approval for many of the drones in question, which were part of various research initiatives and other government-sanctioned activities.
“After thorough review, we can confirm that the drones flying in large numbers over New Jersey were authorized by the FAA for research purposes and other legitimate reasons,” Leavitt said. She also noted that the situation worsened due to the curiosity of local hobbyists and private citizens flying drones in the area.
“This was not a threat,” Leavitt clarified, aiming to calm the fears of those who had been unnerved by the swarm of drones.
The drone activity had sparked widespread alarm, leading to baseless rumors, including a claim by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) on Fox News that the drones could have been linked to Iran. The Department of Defense quickly dismissed these claims, assuring the public that there was no national security threat associated with the drones.
In December, drone activity in the region prompted New York Stewart International Airport to close its runways for about an hour, halting flights and further intensifying public concern. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appealed for federal assistance, acknowledging that the situation had escalated significantly.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reached out to federal lawmakers, including former President Joe Biden, urging them to take action at the national level. In a letter, Murphy called on Congress to pass legislation that would allow state and local law enforcement to use advanced technology to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone activities.
John Kirby, a former spokesperson for the Department of Defense, highlighted the growing need for federal regulation, emphasizing the need for clearer legal frameworks surrounding drone operations in U.S. airspace. He echoed earlier statements, reassuring the public that the drones in question posed no national security risk.
"Our assessment shows that these are legal aviation activities, including both manned and unmanned drones, as well as civil and commercial aircraft,” Kirby said. “There is no national security threat here.”
The clarification comes as both federal and state officials look to address the increasing presence of drones in U.S. airspace and ensure that laws and regulations are in place to manage their use effectively.