Federal agencies remain at odds over the nature of unexplained drone sightings in the Northeast, with claims ranging from manned aircraft to potential commercial drones. Amid rising public frustration, local leaders challenge the government’s mixed signals and call for decisive action to solve the mystery.
BY PC Bureau
The Biden administration’s response to the mysterious surge of drone-like objects in the Northeast has been riddled with contradictions, leaving many questioning whether authorities truly understand the phenomenon. Analyzing the responses from the FBI, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reveals inconsistencies that only deepen the mystery.
Location: 📍New Jersey USA
Motion detected on door cam and started recording.. Looks like 2 UFO UAP Drone like shapes swooping over the house…
It also looks like there is some kind of field surrounding both of them?? #Aliens #Extraterrestrial #Area51 #UFOsightings… pic.twitter.com/rJYLuAkb1I
— Alien UFO Sightings 🏴👽 (@alienufovideos) December 11, 2024
FBI’s Stance:
On Saturday, the FBI clarified that most recent drone sightings in New Jersey and nearby states involved manned aircraft rather than unmanned drones. An FBI spokesperson stated that fewer than 100 of over 5,000 reported sightings warranted deeper investigation. The agency confirmed that large, fixed-wing aircraft identified in these reports were manned planes operating lawfully.
Despite deploying advanced detection technologies, the FBI found no evidence of large-scale unmanned aerial systems activity. Many sightings occurred near regular flight paths, suggesting misidentifications. While the FBI downplayed the potential threat, they maintained investigations into the sightings, acknowledging public concerns.
“We can’t ignore the sightings,” the spokesperson said, admitting some public overreaction but emphasizing the agency’s ongoing efforts to determine the origins of the drone activities.
John Kirby’s Statements:
During a White House press briefing, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reiterated that there was no evidence the drones posed a national security or public safety threat, nor did they appear linked to foreign actors. He added that sophisticated detection technologies have failed to corroborate most of the sightings, with many turning out to be manned aircraft.
Later, Kirby’s remarks on Fox News seemed to contradict his initial statements and those of the FBI. He admitted that some sightings remain unexplained:
“Many corroborated sightings have turned out to be piloted aircraft. I didn’t say all of them,” Kirby noted, encouraging the public to report further evidence to federal authorities.
These discrepancies sparked public backlash, with Mine Hill Township Mayor Sam Morris directly challenging Kirby’s remarks. Morris accused Kirby of dismissing credible reports from local law enforcement, calling his stance “ridiculous.”
“That is ridiculous. I would invite Mr. Kirby to Mine Hill. Come on out, Mr. Kirby, and let’s go on out one night at about 9:30, 10:00,” Mine Hill Township Mayor Sam Morris told ABC News Thursday.
“Mr. Kirby just called the security people at Picatinny Arsenal liars, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department liars, and the state police in New Jersey liars,” he elaborated on “The Evening Edit” Friday.
DHS Explanation:
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas suggested that a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule change in September 2023, allowing drones to fly at night, could explain the surge in sightings. However, this claim was met with widespread skepticism, as critics dismissed it as a weak attempt to placate public fears.
Mayorkas maintained there was no evidence of criminal or foreign activity tied to the drones. Still, his explanation did little to quell public unease, especially as over 3,000 tips flooded the FBI. Social media users and local leaders demanded concrete action, with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy requesting more federal resources to address the issue.
Lingering Questions:
The situation has raised several unanswered questions:
- Why did the Biden administration delay its response?
- Why was Stewart Airport in New York temporarily shut down due to drone activity?
- Why haven’t authorities intercepted these drones or identified their operators?
Public and Official Reactions:
Officials continue to insist there is no malicious intent behind the sightings, but the public remains unconvinced. Critics argue the government’s contradictory statements and lack of definitive answers have fueled conspiracy theories and mistrust.
As investigations progress, Kirby revealed that federal agencies are deploying additional personnel and technology to New Jersey to address the issue. However, without clear answers, skepticism persists. The mysterious drones remain an enigma, casting doubt on the government’s ability to manage the situation effectively.