President-elect Donald Trump recently raised the idea of shooting down unidentified aircraft hovering over New Jersey, causing unease among residents and prompting calls for explanations from officials.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his concerns about the ‘Mystery Drone sightings’ across the nation, questioning the government’s awareness of the situation. He urged for immediate public disclosure or resorting to shooting down the drones, stating, ‘I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT.’
Despite numerous reports from residents capturing lights in the sky, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have not been able to verify these sightings. They suggested that many of the sightings are likely regular airplanes.
In a joint statement, the FBI and DHS clarified that most reported sightings were of manned aircraft following legal protocols and that there was no malicious activity detected in New Jersey. However, the agencies acknowledged the limitations in current authorities to address these sightings. The Secret Service also confirmed that the drones reported did not belong to their agency.
John Kirby, White House’s national security communications adviser, emphasized the need for more conclusive evidence before taking any actions against the unidentified aircraft. He acknowledged the frustration among the public and assured transparency in sharing information as it becomes available.
The sightings have not been limited to New Jersey, with reports emerging from New York and Maryland as well.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee’s investigations panel, has requested a briefing from the FAA to delve into the details of the drones’ ownership, operations, and potential impacts on aviation, national security, and privacy.
While the FAA, FBI, and Defense Department are yet to respond to Blumenthal’s request, DHS has committed to addressing the concerns raised by lawmakers and ensuring appropriate responses to congressional oversight.
Senator Andy Kim shared his experiences of encountering multiple drones in New Jersey, expressing concerns about the lack of tracking capabilities and countermeasures against such devices. Governors from New Jersey, New York, and Maryland have also voiced their concerns and called for federal collaboration to investigate the sightings.
The public’s apprehension has escalated with reports of drones near various locations, including the Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey. Authorities have implemented flight restrictions in certain areas to mitigate potential risks associated with the unidentified aircraft.
