WASHINGTON – The mysterious New Jersey drones flying in the sky that alarmed residents in late 2024 were, for the most part, authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the White House confirmed Tuesday.
The surge of unexplained nighttime drone sightings across New Jersey and other East Coast states caused widespread panic, even leading to the temporary shutdown of New York Stewart International Airport in December. Concerned state officials, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, urged federal authorities to take action, with Murphy advocating for new legislation allowing local law enforcement to detect and mitigate drone threats.
White House and FAA Clarify Drone Origins
During the first press briefing of President Donald Trump’s second administration, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the controversy, stating that many of these New Jersey drones flying in the sky were known to the government and authorized for research and various operations.
“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt said Tuesday. She added that some drones were flown by hobbyists and private citizens, which contributed to growing public curiosity and increased drone activity.
“This was not the enemy,” she assured, pushing back against claims that the drones were tied to foreign adversaries.
Misinformation and Calls for Federal Action
Despite these assurances, online misinformation fueled fear, with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) suggesting on Fox News that the drones could be linked to Iran—a claim categorically denied by the Department of Defense.
The FAA responded to the panic by issuing temporary flight restrictions over critical infrastructure in New Jersey, while officials like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called for increased federal intervention, warning that the issue had “gone too far.”
Meanwhile, former Biden administration defense official John Kirby emphasized the need for updated drone regulations, pressing Congress to close gaps in federal and state laws.
“Our assessment leads us to conclude that these are lawful and legal aviation activities, manned and unmanned drones and civil aviation aircraft or commercial aircraft,” Kirby said. “We know that there’s no national security threat.”
About FAA
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation. It oversees air traffic control, sets safety regulations for aircraft and pilots, and manages drone operations in U.S. airspace. The FAA also enforces flight restrictions, ensuring national security and protecting critical infrastructure.
What’s Next for Drone Regulation?
While the White House has clarified that these New Jersey drones flying in the sky posed no security threat, the incident has highlighted the need for clearer drone laws and stronger regulations on both federal and state levels.
As drone technology continues to evolve, lawmakers face growing pressure to implement legislation that balances innovation, security, and public safety.
Timeline of the Drone Situation in New Jersey
Late 2024
- Wave of Drone Sightings: Numerous mysterious drones are spotted flying at night across New Jersey and other East Coast states, causing alarm among residents.
- Public Panic: Speculation grows as drones are seen near critical infrastructure, leading to fears of national security threats.
- Misinformation: Some reports falsely link the drones to foreign adversaries like Iran, further fueling public concern.
December 16, 2024
- Biden Administration’s Statement:
- The Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense confirm that the drones constitute a “combination of lawful aerial activity.”
- Temporary flight restrictions are issued over critical infrastructure in New Jersey out of caution.
- Authorities assess “no public safety threat” and emphasize that the activity is legal and authorized.
- New York Stewart International Airport Shutdown:
- Due to drone activity in its airspace, the airport temporarily closes its runways for an hour.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul requests federal assistance, claiming the issue has “gone too far.”
- Gov. Phil Murphy’s Call to Action:
- The New Jersey governor writes to federal leaders, urging Congress to pass legislation empowering state and local authorities to use advanced drone detection and mitigation technologies.
Early January 2025
- John Kirby’s Comments:
- The former Biden administration official calls for Congress to address the “growing ecosystem of drones in U.S. airspace” and close legal gaps.
January 2025 (Trump Administration Takes Office)
- White House Press Briefing:
- Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, confirms the drones were largely authorized by the FAA for research and recreational purposes.
- She reassures the public, stating, “This was not the enemy.”
- Leavitt also acknowledges that hobbyist activity and public curiosity amplified the issue.
- President Trump’s Remarks:
- Trump comments on the lack of government transparency, stating, “They know where it came from and where it went” but are keeping people in suspense.
Current Situation
- Ongoing Legislative Discussions:
- Pressure builds on Congress to implement stricter drone regulations to balance innovation with safety and address gaps between federal and local authorities.
- FAA’s Role:
- The FAA continues to monitor drone activity, ensuring safety and issuing flight restrictions when necessary.
This timeline reflects the escalation, misinformation, and government responses surrounding the New Jersey drones flying in the sky while highlighting key incidents and policy debates.
