The mysterious drone sightings that have caused widespread concern across the U.S. are now under intense investigation by local, state, and federal agencies. Despite the FBI’s assurance that there is no national security threat, multiple questions remain unanswered.
BY Navin Upadhyay
After days of nationwide panic, officials from the White House, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security clarified on Saturday that most of the recent drone sightings in New Jersey and surrounding states involved manned aircraft, and there was no evidence suggesting a national security threat. However, their assurances left several questions unanswered.
An FBI official, addressing reporters in an impromptu briefing, revealed that the agency was working with 50 local, state, and federal partners to investigate the surge in drone reports. Of the more than 5,000 reported sightings, fewer than 100 warranted further investigation. The official confirmed that all large, fixed-wing aircraft sightings were linked to manned planes.
“We’ve conducted extensive efforts, including the use of technical equipment, tip line information, and consultations, but we have found no evidence of large-scale unmanned aerial systems activity,” the official said, noting that many of the sightings occurred along regular flight paths. Investigations were still underway, utilizing interviews, radar analysis, and intelligence gathering.
“We can’t ignore the sightings,” the official added. “We are working to determine the origin of these drone activities, but there’s been a slight overreaction.”
Despite this statement, several critical questions remain unanswered. Why did it take the FBI so long to address such a sensational issue? Why did authorities shut down Stewart Airport in New York due to mysterious drone sightings? What prompted the Sheriff of New Jersey to deploy a drone to track these objects? Where did the large number of drones come from, and why haven’t their owners come forward to reassure the public? Why weren’t authorities able to intercept any of these drones and present them to the public to alleviate the panic?
These concerns persist as the investigation continues.
The drone sightings, initially reported in New Jersey in mid-November, have since spread to other states, including Maryland and Massachusetts. The media coverage has been extensive, and a Facebook group titled “New Jersey Mystery Drones – Let’s Solve It” has attracted 56,000 members.
President Joe Biden is receiving regular updates on the situation, according to a White House official.
On Cape Cod, Massachusetts, residents and a police officer in Harwich reported seeing 10-15 drones in the Friday night sky, prompting the Boston FBI and Massachusetts State Police to be notified. Governor Maura Healey stated on Facebook that the state was closely monitoring the growing number of sightings.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul called for increased federal law enforcement efforts after drone activity prompted a one-hour shutdown of a local airport runway on Friday. “This has gone too far,” Hochul said in a statement on X, urging the Biden administration to bolster law enforcement in New York and other affected areas, and calling on Congress to pass drone reform legislation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a temporary ban on drone activity had been implemented over Picatinny Arsenal, a military base in Wharton, New Jersey, which was set to expire on December 26 but could become permanent. While drone sightings had been reported over Picatinny and another naval weapons station in December, there was no indication of malicious intent or foreign involvement, according to military officials. Although drone operations are generally prohibited over military installations, occasional sightings do occur.
A second temporary ban was placed over Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, due to expire on December 20, but it could be extended, the FAA official added.
