...
By Alia Shoaib
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
What's New
FBI Newark has warned members of the public against pointing lasers or firing weapons at suspected drones in the sky, as they say pilots of manned aircraft are being mistakenly targeted.
In a statement posted on social media on Monday, the department said: "FBI Newark and New Jersey State Police want to warn the public about an increase in pilots of manned aircraft being hit in the eyes with lasers because people on the ground think they see an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)."
Read More on U.S.
"There is also a concern with people possibly firing weapons at what they believe to be a UAS but could be a manned aircraft," they said.
They added that objects such as manned aircraft, low-orbit satellites or even stars can be mistaken for drones from the ground.
Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The warning comes following weeks of mysterious drones being spotted in the skies in various states, particularly around New Jersey. The drone activity has been reported regularly since November 18, often around critical infrastructure in the state.
The sightings have sparked widespread public concern and given rise to multiple conspiracy theories.
Federal authorities have said that they are investigating the drone sightings, but have assured the public that they don't appear to be a threat to public safety.
...
What To Know
Despite reassurances from authorities, uneasy New Jersey residents have in some situations taken to attempting to shoot at the drones. Officials warn that it is dangerous to try to shoot down drones.
The Federal Aviation Administration previously told CNN that private citizens shooting at any aircraft, including drones, "poses a significant safety hazard."
"An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air," they said.
They added that shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in "a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state, or local law enforcement."
Experts have warned of other possible risks, including humans being struck, useful drones being downed and forest fires being caused by a drone crash.
What People Are Saying
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Monday that they had not identified "anything anomalous or any national security or public safety risks over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the Northeast," per CNN.
"We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters, and even stars that were mistakenly reported as drones," he said.
He added that he could not rule out later finding "some sort of illegal or criminal activity, some nefarious activity," but that at the moment there was no evidence to suggest this.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas suggested the uptick in drone sightings could be linked to a 2023 Federal Aviation Administration rule change that allows drones to fly at night.
In Monday's statement, FBI Newark noted that the public can use various websites and mobile apps from government agencies and private companies to check flight paths for aircraft, satellites, and to track visible celestial objects, helping identify whether they are seeing drones or something else.
What Happens Next
As the mystery surrounding the drones continues, residents of New Jersey and beyond will have to wait for the conclusion of official investigations before getting any clear answers.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines