The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Department of Defense released a joint statement earlier this week which states that the majority of the 5,000 drone sightings investigated in New Jersey ended up being small planes, hobbyist drones, helicopters, stars, or law enforcement aircraft.
Roughly 100 leads required further examination, John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, said on Monday.
From the statement:
FBI has received tips of more than 5,000 reported drone sightings in the last few weeks with approximately 100 leads generated, and the federal government is supporting state and local officials in investigating these reports. Consistent with each of our unique missions and authorities, we are quickly working to prioritize and follow these leads. We have sent advanced detection technology to the region. And we have sent trained visual observers.
Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, 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. 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.
That said, we recognize the concern among many communities. We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement. 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.
Additionally, there have been a limited number of visual sightings of drones over military facilities in New Jersey and elsewhere, including within restricted air space. 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 commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place.
The statement also notes that the number of lawful drones in the sky at any given time is expected to increase via the evolving “technology landscape”.
On Thursday, December 12, the FBI and the DHS issued a joint statement on reported drone sightings in New Jersey:
We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus. The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.
Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.
We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities.
Governor Josh Shapiro has instructed State Police to look into drone activity and to put helicopters in the air to investigate reports, according to WFMZ.
The Lower Moreland Police Department posted the following on Sunday, December 15:
LMPD is aware of the recent surge in sightings of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, in our area and across the surrounding states.
Drones have become increasingly popular and accessible due to their ease of use and affordability. While these devices have many beneficial applications–such as in delivery services, search and rescue operations, security, and infrastructure assessments–UAS can also be used for illegal or malicious activities, including potential acts of terrorism.
WHILE THERE IS CURRENTLY NO KNOWN THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY, WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO REMAIN VIGILANT.
If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please report it immediately by calling 9-1-1. To report suspicious drone activity, call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324. Submit tips and video footage online at FBI Tips.
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.