DHS, FBI, FAA, and DoD Respond to Reported Drone Sightings

Federal Agencies Address Community Concerns and Emphasize Safety

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense (DoD) have issued a joint statement regarding recent drone sightings across the northeast United States. The agencies are working together to investigate reports, address public concerns, and ensure airspace safety.

Investigation of Drone Sightings

The FAA reports that over one million drones are lawfully registered in the United States, with thousands of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones operating daily. Given the rapid advancement of drone technology, these numbers are expected to grow.

The FBI has received over 5,000 reports of drone sightings in the past few weeks. Of these, approximately 100 leads are currently under investigation. To support state and local officials, the federal government has deployed advanced detection technology and trained visual observers.

After reviewing technical data and citizen reports, officials concluded that the majority of sightings involve legal drone operations. “We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement reads.

The agencies emphasized that no anomalous activity has been identified. “We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast.”

Addressing Public Concern

While investigations have not uncovered any security risks, the agencies recognize public concern. “We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement,” the joint statement noted.

To further address safety concerns, federal officials are calling on Congress to pass counter-drone legislation. “We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge.”

Drone Sightings Near Military Facilities

In addition to civilian reports, there have been limited sightings of drones over military facilities in New Jersey and other areas, including within restricted airspace. The DoD emphasized that these occurrences are not unprecedented. “Such sightings near or over DoD installations are not new. DoD takes unauthorized access over its airspace seriously and coordinates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, as appropriate.”

Local military commanders remain actively engaged in ensuring detection and mitigation systems are in place. “Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place,” the statement added.

As drone use continues to increase, federal agencies are committed to maintaining airspace safety and addressing public concerns. Ongoing coordination with local authorities and the deployment of advanced technology reflect the government’s proactive approach to managing drone activity. For now, officials have assured that recent sightings do not pose a security risk but emphasize the need for updated counter-drone legislation to respond to potential future threats.

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Read more:

• FBI and DHS Debunk New Jersey Drone Reports: Misattribution Blamed
• Understanding the New Jersey Drone Sightings: Separating Fact from Fiction
• Congressional Hearing Reveals Gaps in Counter-Drone Readiness Amid Concerns About N.Y./N.J. Drone Sightings