FBI Warns New Jersey Residents About Unidentified Drones [WATCH]

The FBI’s Newark field office, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, issued a warning this week urging New Jersey residents to refrain from shooting at drones or pointing lasers at aircraft.

The advisory comes as reports of drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast have increased significantly, sparking concern and prompting some individuals to take matters into their own hands.

The agency used social media to highlight the dangers and potential fatal consequences of such actions, emphasizing that misidentified drones could lead to harm involving manned aircraft.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

This warning follows numerous online posts of photos and videos documenting suspected drone activity in dark skies, with some residents expressing fear and frustration over the unexplained sightings.

In a joint statement, the FBI and New Jersey State Police reported an uptick in incidents where pilots of manned aircraft have been targeted by lasers, often due to misidentification by individuals on the ground.

Officials also raised concerns about the possibility of firearms being used against what some believe are Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which could lead to tragic outcomes if manned aircraft are mistakenly attacked.

“FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking,” the statement read. “However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS.”

pic.twitter.com/ELgIo1gnOt

— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) December 16, 2024

Authorities noted that it is not uncommon for manned aircraft to be misidentified as drones.

They explained that such misidentifications could occur when aircraft or other objects, such as low-orbit satellites or celestial bodies like planets or stars, are mistaken for drones.

“To improve accuracy and prevent false sightings, a variety of tools and techniques can be used to assist with the visual identification of suspected UAS.

Accurate identification is critical for maintaining safety and ensuring appropriate responses to UAS activity,” the statement added.

Residents and lawmakers in New Jersey have expressed frustration with the federal government over what they see as insufficient answers regarding the spike in drone sightings.

Despite the concerns, U.S. officials have reassured the public that the aircraft in question do not pose a national security threat.

During a briefing on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder told reporters that the drones were not government assets or part of any experimental program.

NEW: Pentagon Press Secretary declines to say why today’s CIA/FBI drone briefing for the House Intelligence Committee was classified.

“I’d have to refer you to Congress.” pic.twitter.com/siCSC3U0kg

— UAP James (@UAPJames) December 17, 2024

A joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense on Monday reiterated that there is no evidence the drones are anomalous or pose a threat to public safety or national security.

Meanwhile, senior officials from the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense met with lawmakers on the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday to provide a briefing on the increased drone sightings.

NEW: While the American people try to understand why drones are invading New Jersey, the government’s telling us nothing and keeps changing its story. One Congressman says they’re Chinese spy drones. Senator @HawleyMO tells Primetime the @FBI director and @DHSgov secretary are… pic.twitter.com/LvqTNExKSt

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) December 18, 2024

Despite these efforts, public concerns remain high.

The FBI disclosed on Monday that it has received more than 5,000 reports of alleged drone sightings in recent weeks, reflecting the widespread unease among residents.

The DOD-FBI-DHS-FAA say they thoroughly investigated all ~6,000 drone reports, but there’s no way they could have. They’re lying because, apparently, they don’t want to talk about why they can’t control the airspace above either our military bases or our residential areas. pic.twitter.com/bfNjphFhyg

— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) December 17, 2024

Many have turned to social media to share their sightings, amplifying the sense of panic.

Connecticut Representative Jim Himes, a Republican, called for greater transparency from federal agencies, particularly the FAA, during an interview on Fox News Sunday.

“The FAA in particular, which is the agency of jurisdiction through the domestic skies, ought to be out Saturday morning saying, ‘Let’s show you a picture at the number of aircraft, commercial and private and military, that go over New Jersey in any 24-hour period,’” Himes said. “Just putting information out there to fill that vacuum would be helpful.”

JUST IN—Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee:

“We spent a lot of time in this hearing asking whether or not any of these [drone] sightings in New Jersey, Connecticut, anywhere they’re being sighted, are federal government operations, and… pic.twitter.com/beCS6F6TA0

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 18, 2024

While authorities work to investigate drone sightings and address public concerns, they continue to emphasize the importance of avoiding potentially harmful actions like targeting aircraft with lasers or firearms.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.