The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Monday warned New Jersey residents not to shoot down unidentified drones, pointing to potential legal ramifications and safety concerns.
FBI and New Jersey State Police issued Warning the public about the dangers of using lasers against unmanned aerial vehicles. Officials also warned the public not to accidentally fire on suspected unmanned aircraft systems.
“The FBI in Newark and the New Jersey State Police are warning the public that an increasing number of pilots of manned aircraft are being lasered in the eye because people on the ground think they are seeing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).” “We also have concerns about the possibility of people firing weapons at what appear to be unmanned aircraft but may be manned aircraft.” There is.
“FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been on hand and available every night for several weeks to legally pursue businesses that engage in illegal activity or act with nefarious intent.” “We are using all the tools and equipment we can to find the answers the public wants. But if a manned aircraft is mistakenly targeted as a UAS, the consequences can be dangerous and deadly.” the press release added.
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) December 16, 2024
The White House has given its most comprehensive explanation yet of a spate of drone sightings across the Northeast, CNN says. reported. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the observed phenomenon included legally operated commercial and recreational drones, law enforcement drones, manned aircraft, helicopters, and even drones. He said that there is a high possibility that there are celestial objects that were mistaken for astronomical objects.
“Sightings to date include a combination of legal commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and even stars that were incorrectly reported as drones,” Kirby said. We assess that it is included.” CNN.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussed the issue on CNN’s “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” and denied the threat posed by these drones. Mayorkas downplayed the sightings, saying people were simply “misidentifying” them.
“Of course, there is a good chance that there are drones flying in the sky, but they are commercially available. You can go to a convenience store and buy a small drone. “There is no known activity,” Mayorkas said.
President-elect Donald Trump has also commented on the issue and believes the government is well aware of what is happening. (Related article: New Jersey residents are feeling ‘increased anxiety’ as drones swarm over New Jersey)
“The government knows what’s going on. Look, our military knows where they’re starting from. If it’s a garage, they can get right into that garage. They know where it came from and where it went. And for some reason, they don’t want to comment. And I think they better say what it is. And for some reason, our military knows it, and our president knows it. wants to keep people anxious,” President Trump said, CBS News. reported.
Washington Township Mayor Matthew Mulero also expressed concern about mysterious drone activity and criticized federal authorities’ silence. He pointed to the potential threat posed by drones, noting their ability to carry payloads and be actively used.
“I don’t mean to provoke anything, but anyone who turns on their TV knows that drones can be used in offensive ways,” Mulero told ABC News. reported. “They can carry payloads. They can be used for all sorts of really offensive things.”
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