White House national security spokesperson John Kirby recently addressed the numerous drone sightings reported over New Jersey. Kirby asserted that the majority of these sightings are likely legally operated manned aircraft, not drones, and emphasized the lack of evidence suggesting any threat to national security, public safety, or connection to foreign adversaries.

Kirby explained that both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are actively investigating the sightings in collaboration with state and local law enforcement. He highlighted the use of advanced electronic detection technologies, which have failed to corroborate the visual reports. Analysis of available imagery suggests many sightings are actually conventional aircraft.

Former DHS Assistant Secretary Brian Harrell criticized the White House's response, suggesting they missed an opportunity to build public trust. He believes the government possesses sufficient technology to identify the aircraft and speculated that the sightings might be related to government or contractor testing.

A joint DHS and FBI statement echoed Kirby's remarks, stating that many reports appear to be misidentified manned aircraft and that no malicious activity has been detected. However, they acknowledged the limitations of current legal authorities regarding counter-drone measures.

Kirby called upon Congress to expand existing counter-drone authorities to address potential threats to critical infrastructure and equip state and local authorities with necessary tools. This call for legislative action was met with criticism from Senator Richard Blumenthal, who expressed concern over the lack of information and urged the administration to act more aggressively in identifying the aircraft and their operators.

While New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and law enforcement have downplayed the public safety threat, calls for stricter drone regulations have emerged. The FBI is requesting public assistance in the form of videos, photos, and information related to the sightings. Initial reports centered around the Raritan River area, but sightings have since expanded statewide, including near sensitive locations like Picatinny Arsenal and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.

Representative Chris Smith reported that drones were observed following a Coast Guard lifeboat and expressed frustration over the lack of authority to shoot down and analyze the aircraft. He has reportedly contacted the Department of Defense seeking permission to do so.