On Friday, former President Donald Trump addressed the mysterious drones spotted over several American cities, urging President Joe Biden's administration to take action. "Mysterious drone sightings across the country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge? I don't think so! Inform the people now. If not, shoot them down!!!" he proclaimed on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Since November 18, numerous drone sightings have been reported in areas such as New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, causing public concern. Collin Rugg, a journalist with NewsNation, witnessed 50 drones emerging from the ocean, an experience that drastically altered his perspective. "What I saw was more sophisticated than I ever imagined," he shared on his X account.
Meanwhile, Michael Johnson, head of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, described witnessing a large fixed-wing aircraft flying a few hundred feet above, comparable in size to a truck, along with smaller drones. In response, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called for federal assistance from President Biden to investigate the incidents, emphasizing that local law enforcement's capacity to counter drones is limited by existing laws.
"New Jersey residents deserve more concrete information regarding these drone system sightings and their causes," Murphy wrote in a letter shared on X. He expressed gratitude for the guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, but noted that more questions than answers remain, with conspiracy theories circulating on social media and other platforms.
A joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI asserted that they have no evidence suggesting the reported sightings pose a threat to national or public safety, nor do they seem linked to foreign entities. They added that, in collaboration with police, they will continue deploying personnel and technology to investigate and verify whether the reported drone flights are indeed drones, manned aircraft, or inexplicable sightings.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told CNN that they have observed no unusual activity and reiterated, "We have no knowledge of any threat."
Understanding the Drone Phenomenon in the U.S.
What actions has Donald Trump suggested regarding the drone sightings?
Donald Trump has called for immediate government disclosure and, if necessary, the destruction of the drones.
What regions have reported mysterious drone sightings?
Sightings have been reported in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
What is the government's response to these drone sightings?
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have stated there is no current evidence of a threat and are investigating the reports.