Investing.com -- In response to over 5,000 drone sightings reported in recent weeks, multiple U.S. federal agencies have issued a joint statement addressing the situation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense (DoD) are collaborating to investigate these incidents.
The FBI has generated approximately 100 leads from the tips received and is actively working to prioritize them. As part of the response, advanced detection technology and trained visual observers have been deployed to the affected region.
Analysis of the technical data and citizen reports has led the agencies to determine that the sightings thus far consist of legally operated commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones. Additionally, some sightings have been attributed to manned aircraft and celestial bodies, such as stars, being misidentified as drones. The agencies have not found any sightings to be out of the ordinary or to pose a threat to national security or public safety in civilian airspace in New Jersey or other northeastern states.
Despite the absence of identified threats, the federal agencies acknowledge the public's concern and continue to support local authorities with advanced detection technology and law enforcement assistance. They are also calling on Congress to pass counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) legislation to enhance existing drone countermeasures and address potential threats.
The statement also notes that a limited number of drones have been sighted over military facilities in New Jersey and in other locations, some within restricted airspace. The DoD is treating these sightings with seriousness due to the sensitive nature of military airspace and is working with law enforcement to ensure the security of their installations with appropriate detection and mitigation strategies.
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