16-12-2024 (WASHINGTON) In a briefing held on Thursday, senior officials from the White House, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security sought to allay public concerns over recent aerial sightings, confirming that the vast majority of reported drone incidents across the northeastern United States involved conventional aircraft rather than unmanned vehicles.
During an impromptu press conference, an FBI spokesperson revealed that whilst investigating over 5,000 reported sightings alongside 50 partnering agencies, fewer than 100 cases warranted deeper scrutiny. Notably, all large fixed-wing aircraft sightings were confirmed to be manned flights.
“Our comprehensive investigation, employing technical surveillance, public tip-line data, and expert consultation, has uncovered no evidence supporting widespread drone activity,” the FBI representative stated, noting that many observations coincided with established flight paths.
The matter has captured significant public attention, particularly after initial reports emerged from New Jersey in mid-November before spreading to neighbouring states including Maryland and Massachusetts. A Facebook community dedicated to solving the mystery has attracted over 56,000 members.
The situation prompted swift governmental response, with the FAA implementing temporary flight restrictions around Thursday’s Army-Navy football match in Maryland, which was attended by President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance. A 3.2-kilometre no-drone zone was established around the stadium.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for enhanced federal intervention following a one-hour runway closure at a Hudson Valley airport on Wednesday due to suspected drone activity. “This situation has escalated beyond acceptable limits,” Hochul posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging both the Biden administration and Congress to take decisive action.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts witnessed its own wave of sightings, with residents and law enforcement in Harwich reporting multiple drones on Wednesday evening. Governor Maura Healey acknowledged public concerns via social media, confirming active monitoring of the situation.
The FAA has implemented temporary drone restrictions over sensitive locations, including Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. While military installations have reported occasional drone presence, officials maintain there is no evidence suggesting foreign involvement or malicious intent.
