‘Manned aircraft’, ‘no threat’: US authorities reveal investigative details into mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey

‘Several drones’ fly over Bernardsville, NJ

Federal officials revealed Saturday that the latest drone observations across the northeast is indeed manned aircraftaccording to their studies. The White House, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security has also stated that there is no evidence for one threat to national security.
An FBI official briefed reporters and explained that the agency is working with 50 local, state and federal partners to investigate the increased reports. Of over 5,000 reported sightings, less than 100 warranted further investigation. All large, fixed-wing sightings investigated so far have been identified as manned aircraft.
“The combination of efforts so far … to include technical equipment, tip line information and noted consultations have … found no evidence to support major (unmanned aerial systems) activities,” the official said, as quoted by Reuters, noting that many sightings took place along established flight paths. Officials continue to investigate remaining cases using interviews, radar analysis and intelligence.
“We cannot ignore the sightings that have been there,” the official added. “We are doing our best to find the origin of these drone activities, but I think there has been a bit of an overreaction.”
The Department of Homeland Security, in a joint statement with the FBI, has also taken a similar position. “Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity where reported drones are actually manned aircraft or facilities,” the agencies said.
Last week, Biden’s national security spokesman John F Kirby also indicated that their investigation revealed no wrongdoing. “Rather, after reviewing available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft being operated legally,” Kirby said Thursday.

Reports began in mid-November in New Jersey and spread to Maryland, Massachusetts and other states. President Biden is receiving ongoing updates on the situation. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey acknowledged awareness of the sightings and is monitoring the situation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for increased federal law enforcement after a local airport briefly closed Friday due to drone activity.
A Federal Aviation Administration official said a temporary drone ban is over Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, which expires on December 26, may become permanent. A military official confirmed drone sightings over Picatinny and another naval weapons station, but said there was no indication of foreign involvement or malicious intent. Another temporary ban is in effect over the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, which expires on December 20 with a possible extension.