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On Thursday, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby claimed that many of the drone sightings spotted over New Jersey for the past several weeks are lawfully operated manned aircraft.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby told reporters at the daily White House press briefing. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they’re working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin.”
“Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings,” Kirby said. “To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully. The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey, and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace.”
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Kirby also called on congressional lawmakers to “expand existing counterdone authorities,” recognizing the potential threat of unmanned aircraft.
“We certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports, even though they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage,” Kirby said Thursday. “While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities, and so we urge Congress to pass important legislation that will extend and expand existing counter drone authorities so that we are better prepared to identify and mitigate any potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure. And so that state and local authorities are provided all the tools that they need to respond to such threats as well.”
The drones were initially spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River about 50 miles west of New York City. Soon after sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The Pentagon also shot down a congressman’s recent claim that an Iranian “mothership” is behind the drones. (RELATED: Iranian ‘Mothership’ Allegedly Behind Drones Near Trump’s New Jersey Estate, Congressman Claims
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J) made the claim during a conversation with Fox News host Harris Faulkner, detailed his suspicions. “Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mothership is off the East Coast of the United States of America,” Van Drew said. He described the drones as “SUV-sized” and added that initial concerns they could be linked to the U.S. government have since been dismissed.
“We know it’s not our own government,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of his allegations.
State and local officials attended a closed-door meeting Wednesday morning at the New Jersey State Police headquarters with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to address the matter, according to several officials in attendance.
It remains unclear who is operating the drones, according to a DHS handout released by Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali, who attended the meeting.
“At this time, according to the FBI, there are no known specific or credible threats related to these sightings,” the handout stated.
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Shoot the damn drones down and don’t take the words of this government or administration !!! Those balloons were supposed to be a nothing burger —-guess what? they collected a hell of a lot info! for foreign use !!! They crossed all the way across USA and over strategic areas —-what did this government—-Jack-S–t
Drones…near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility??
Yup, the Military is testing them for another Trump hit! An Iranian ship is off shore too!
If they can’t be confirmed by air traffic control, they CANNOT be lawfully operated manned aircraft. All such craft are legally required to use transponders the CONSTANTLY broadcast their ID.