Mysterious drone activity, reported across New Jersey and neighboring states for months, has officially been attributed to authorized research and hobbyist flights, according to a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday.
“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt said during a press briefing. “Many of these drones were also hobbyists — recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. In the meantime, it got worse, due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”
The clarification follows growing concerns among local officials and residents about the drones, which have been spotted in clusters over neighborhoods and businesses, including in Hopewell Township.
Last month, the Hopewell Township Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the sightings and assuring residents that there was “no known threat to public safety at this time.” The PD urged the public to report sightings to the FBI or local authorities. Similar statements were released by other New Jersey police departments.
Frustrations mounted over the lack of information about the drones’ operators, especially after reports that an FBI tip line for reporting sightings was temporarily down. Meanwhile, in North Jersey, 20 mayors from Morris County called on Governor Phil Murphy for action, citing public safety concerns, particularly after a drone incident in Somerset last month interfered with a medevac helicopter landing.
With the White House’s statement clarifying that the drones were not a foreign threat, residents may have more answers but questions still remain about the specifics of their operation.
For more details, read MercerMe’s prior coverage and the full press briefing transcript.