‘We Know Nothing’: State, Local Officials Demand Answers About Mystery Drones

Potentially thousands of sightings of large, unidentified drones are baffling local, state, and federal investigators.

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 04:30 PM ET

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White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby addresses reports of unidentified drones in New Jersey during a press briefing on Thursday. [Courtesy: C-SPAN]

Key Takeaways:

Thousands of mysterious drones have been widely reported in U.S. airspace, particularly in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, causing significant concern among state and local officials.
Federal agencies (DHS/FBI) are investigating but downplay any national security threat, a position that has frustrated state and local leaders who demand more answers, transparency, and federal intervention.
The drones are characterized as large, capable of coordinated, untraceable, and unusual flights, having disrupted emergency services and military operations, leading to calls for increased federal resources and a comprehensive counter-drone strategy.
Under a 2018 law, only the federal government has the authority to jam or shoot down rogue drones, limiting the recourse for local law enforcement despite the growing number of sightings and their potential impact.

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Potentially thousands of mysterious drones have been reported in U.S. airspace, and state and local officials are demanding answers.

New Jersey officials—including more than 500 mayors and other state and local lawmakers—were briefed on the drones by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during a meeting at New Jersey State Police headquarters on Wednesday. Many said they left the briefing frustrated, confused, and with more questions than answers. Several called for the military to intervene. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy did not join the meeting, attendees said.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.