Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs What’s NewResidents across several East Coast states have reported sightings of uncrewed aerial systems, otherwise known as drones, flying in the sky.According to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security, there have been more than 5,000 sightings reported on the East Coast states in recent weeks. Newsweek looks at everything the White House has said about the drones so far.Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby speaks during a news conference at the White House on December 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Kirby has said the sightings of drones are being assessed.
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby speaks during a news conference at the White House on December 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Kirby has said the sightings of drones are being assessed.
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Why It MattersFederal and local officials have been baffled by the reports of mystery drone sightings in New Jersey, and other parts of the Northeast, which started around a month ago.Officials are continuing to examine the situation, which has sparked concern about where they have come from and why.What To KnowThe White House has spoken out about the mystery drone sightings.John Kirby has said that drones are operating lawfullyWhite House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that many of these drones are operating legally and lawfully. Kirby said: “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 even stars that were mistakenly reported as drones,” he told reporters on Monday.The White House has said it is unable to “rule out” roughly 100 tips related to the sightingsKirby told CNN on Monday evening that the FBI is working to “triangulate” around 100 tips on the sightings.Investigations are ongoingKirby said in a news briefing: “The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they’re working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources, using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin.”Additionally, there have been statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI which address the sightings.In a statement from the DHS and the FBI, they said that they had no indication “at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”Alejandro Mayorkas, the DHS secretary, said that a rule change by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2023 “may be one of the reasons” for the reports of drone sightings at night in the Northeast of the country. Rules were changed by the FAA so that drones could fly at night.What People Are SayingPresident-elect Donald TrumpIn a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote “Mystery Drone Sightings all over the country.” “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT.”New Jersey Governor Phil MurphyMurphy said that drone-detection systems deployed across the state last week found “little to no evidence” of malicious activities, despite growing concerns over mysterious nighttime sightings.Rep. Marjorie Taylor GreeneIn a post on Truth Social, Greene said that she would shoot down New Jersey drones herself. The Republican Representative said: “I’ll shoot the drones down myself along with every other red blooded freedom loving American.”What Happens NextOfficials are continuing to investigate the drone sightings, and it is likely that more information will be released soon.Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact [email protected].
