Drones over NJ were authorized by FAA
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday [01/28/2025] that the mystery drones that were reportedly flying over New Jersey in late 2024 were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration "for research and various other reasons," and that a large number of the drones seen were those of hobbyists.
.....
"Before I turn to questions, I do have news directly form the president of the United States that was just shared with me in the Oval Office. From President Trump directly, an update on the New Jersey drones," Leavitt said during her first White House briefing on Tuesday. [01/28/2025] "after research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be own by the FAA for research and various other reasons."
..... She continued: "Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. In time it got worse due to curiosity. this was not the enemy."
..... The
statement comes just over two months after drone sightings began being reported around New Jersey, rattling residents and creating frustration among state officials as they demanded answers form the federal government.
..... "Glad to see the @WhoteHouse confirm that there was no known threat to the public. Grateful for our partnership with law enforcement on this matter," Governor Phil Murphy posted on X.
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As of December 10, [2024] the FBI told members of Congress that the bureau had not identified an individual or group that might be responsible for the sightings.
..... Under the Biden administration, the White House also downplayed any nefarious nature to the drones. During a press conference last month, [12/2024] White House national security communications advisor John Kirby said, "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully."
..... Since the initial drone sightings in November, [2024] the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions over more than 50 towns in the state, including in airspace over Bedminster, where Trump owns a home and a golf club.
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Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on January 9 [2025] that he would issue a report on the alleged drone activity "about one day" into his administration.
..... On January 21, [2025] one day into his president ency, Trump was asked whether there was anything the pubic should be worried about regarding the drones, to which he replied, "I would like to find out what it is and tell the people. In fact, I'd like to do that." He then redirected the issue to chief of staff Susie Wiles, saying, "Could we find out what that was, Susie? Why don't we find out immediately?"