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    1. Perimeter Security
    2. Robotics
    3. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)

    FBI says thousands of 'mystery drone' sightings are false alarms

    Dec. 17, 2024
    Most of the supposed drone sightings were of small planes, helicopters and hobbyist drones.

    By Emily Bloch

    Source The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

    Andrew Leyden
    US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby briefs the White House Press Corps on drone activity in New Jersey.
    US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby briefs the White House Press Corps on drone activity in New Jersey.

    The FBI says more than 5,000 drone sightings the bureau investigated in New Jersey were small planes, hobbyist drones, helicopters, stars or law enforcement aircraft.

    Multiple government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, released a joint statement Monday as recent surges in drone sightings across New Jersey and the rest of the Northeast captured the nation’s attention.

    “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,” the statement said.

    “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.”

    While the announcement echoes previous comments from authorities that the “mystery drone” sightings are not a threat, the statement also acknowledged community concerns that information was delayed and often vague.

    According to the statement, federal organizations will continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology. The agencies urged Congress to enact legislation to help expand Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System detection technology in the event future threats emerge.

    Several elected officials across the northeast have committed to supporting this type of legislation when the session reconvenes.

    U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who is running for New Jersey governor next year, sent a letter last week to the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the FAA, asking for them to share more information about the drone sightings. Gottheimer said he’s introducing legislation to expand access to drone-tracking technology for law enforcement.

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    ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com.

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