What we know about the reported drone sightings in the Northeast

More details are emerging about the spate of reported drone sightings across the Northeast US in recent weeks – though many questions remain unanswered, with growing calls for action from lawmakers and local residents.

How we got here: The first sightings occurred in New Jersey on November 18 and have reportedly continued ever since, with dozens of nightly sightings reported across at least six states (CT, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and VA).

• Concerns began escalating this month when drones were reportedly spotted near a US military research facility in New Jersey and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in the state, prompting the FAA to issue temporary flight restrictions over the properties.
• According to local officials briefed by US agencies investigating the sightings, the possible drones sometimes appear to fly in a coordinated pattern and can remain in flight for up to six hours.

The official response has been mixed

Last Thursday, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement saying there’s “no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”

The agencies also confirmed the possible drones aren’t from the US military, and suggested many recent sightings were manned aircraft or other “cases of mistaken identity.” This line of reasoning was echoed by the White House, as well as Sen. Andy Kim (NJ), who said he went out with local residents over the weekend to observe the night sky.

Other authorities in impacted states have taken a more active approach. New York and Connecticut are deploying new drone detection systems, while the governors of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia have all announced that state authorities are investigating the sightings alongside federal agencies.

• Many lawmakers and local officials have also expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from federal officials, as well as their apparent dismissive attitude.
• At a news conference yesterday, President-elect Trump accused the federal government of knowing and hiding the truth about the sightings, saying the US military should tell the public what it knows.

👀 Looking ahead…The House Intelligence Committee is expected to receive a classified briefing about the reported drone sightings this afternoon.