as unclear drone sighting Start investigating on the east coast and demands Seeking more information from authorities, a wave of online speculation has filled the void as amateur detectives try to solve the mystery on their own.
One Facebook group called “New Jersey Mystery Drones – Let's Solve It” Its number of members has swelled to more than 73,000 in recent days, becoming a hub for users to share their drone sightings and speculate on the source of the mysterious activity.
George Gary, a New Jersey resident who joined the Facebook group, told CBS News he was sitting in his car in Moorestown when he noticed there were “multiple drones” in the sky. “I'm honestly not sure what's behind them,” he said, speculating that it may be linked to government activity. “I'm really curious to find out.”
New Jersey resident Vanessa Grierson, who also said she has seen drones, told CBS News she joined the Facebook group to find out what other people were seeing. “It is worrying that there is still no response,” he said.
On social media, users have shared theories that range from alien interference to UFOs to amateur activity.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement It said last week that there is “no evidence at this time” that the alleged drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat, or have any foreign connection.
But state and local leaders are pushing for more information and a strong reaction,
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Said Sunday is that Federal officials are urging to allocate more resources to investigating the sightings, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that a drone detection system was being deployed in the state.
In some cases, people mistake planes for drones
The number of drones flying over the East Coast and the identity of the people behind the activity are unclear. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday that the FBI had received about 5,000 reports of drone sightings over the past few weeks, “about 100 of which they felt the need to follow up on.”
Officials say many of the reported drone sightings could be aircraft or aircraft helicopter Several airports in the region are operating as residents turn their attention to the skies in search of answers.
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim Said He went out on patrol with the police on Thursday night to get more information about the drone. In a lengthy X thread, Kim said he had “concluded that most of the possible drone sightings reported to me were definitely aircraft.”
Kirby said several other reports were determined to be “a combination of legitimate commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones.”
Additionally, unrelated videos have spread confusion. on friday a Video It was widely shared and said to show a mysterious drone “shooting” at the ground. However, CBS News found the footage to be a military training exercise. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,
People have also shared old videos with different contexts. a widely shared clipReportedly showing drones over New York, at least four years Old.
officers respond
Representative Mike Waltz, a Republican from Florida, who is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for national security adviser, Said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” The lack of information highlights gaps in authority between local law enforcement and federal agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
“I think Americans are finding it hard to believe that we can't figure out where these are coming from.” waltz said“It points to shortcomings in our capabilities and our ability to rein in what's happening here. And we need to get to the bottom of this.”
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey Said “There is a growing sense of uncertainty and urgency throughout the state” despite statements from federal investigators assuring residents that drones do not pose a threat to public safety.
“As such, I urge you to share with the public any pertinent information you have regarding these drone sightings,” Booker said. “Without transparency, I believe rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread.”
Shooting down a drone?
Some social media users have suggested that they plan to shoot down drones if they come too close to their homes. Newly elected President Trump also suggested Shooting down drones, although he did not clarify who should take such action.
However, shooting down a drone is a federal crime.
The Federal Aviation Administration classifies drones as aircraft, which means it is a violation to damage or destroy them. aircraft sabotage act,
Beyond the legal risks, firing at drones poses a serious security threat and can lead to injuries.