video Shared by X Connecticut Democratic Congressman Jim Himes claims he said a drone allegedly seen over New Jersey was a “federal operation.”

🚨Breaking news: New Jersey drone is a “federal operation”

After attending a classified briefing at the Secure Compartment Information Facility (SCIF), Jim Hymes said: “Whether it’s in New Jersey, Connecticut, or wherever, these sightings are federal operations…” pic.twitter.com/zNIVGP4zXI

— Jay Anderson (@TheProjectUnity) December 17, 2024

Verdict: False

Himes said quite the opposite, saying it was not a federal operation.

Fact check:

Thousands of residents in New Jersey and other states have reportedly seen drones and are demanding answers from the federal government. Reuters. According to the report, U.S. officials said sightings also included a manned aircraft.

Social media users claim that Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the drones were a “federal government operation.” (Related: Facebook image doesn’t show authentic headline from Christian website about Hunter Biden pardon)

“Breaking News: New Jersey Drones Are ‘Federal Operations'” Jim Himes said after attending a classified briefing at the Secure Zone Information Facility (SCIF). Operation…” read one user’s post.

This claim is false. The video shows the Himes saying, “No, we were sure of that.”

“These sightings, whether they were sighted in New Jersey, Connecticut, anywhere, are federal operations. They are not, I have been assured time and time again, they are federal operations, It’s not radiation, it’s not gas, it’s not reconstruction,” Himes said.

@AskaPol-UAPs describes themselves as “your”.Acting as a conduit to Congress – Ask your legislators about their UAP Ask your questions at the Capitol,” Himes said in a Dec. 17 X post, “Those are not U.S. government drones.”

Fix:

Jim Hymes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, told me they are not U.S. government drones. pic.twitter.com/8pxxbGWx6y

— @AskaPol_UAPs (@AskaPol_UAPs) December 17, 2024

“Correction: House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes told me these are not U.S. government drones,” the post reads.