TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Department of Defense Secretary Josh Kirbyb is pushing back against recent claims of unusual drone activity off the New Jersey coast, saying that sightings are largely misidentified air traffic or legal drone operations.
Kirby told Fox News on Tuesday that the FBI confirmed reports of multiple drones trailing a U.S. Coast Guard vessel were actually “regular oceanic air traffic” headed to New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports.
The statement comes after Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy claimed that one of his officers documented as many as 50 drones originating from the ocean.
New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew added to the speculation by suggesting the drones could be linked to a “mothership” operated by Iran off the coast. However, Kirby dismissed that theory, stating that a government search did not confirm such activity. Kirby said the drones are not being operated by a foreign government, noting they are using FAA approved lighting during their flights.
“Most of the drone traffic people in New Jersey are seeing are legal drone operations, planes, stars, and planets,” Kirby said, attempting to ease public concerns.
The comments follow remarks made Monday by former President Donald Trump, who said, “the government knows what’s going on here.” Kirby agreed, reiterating that authorities are aware of the situation and emphasizing there is no perceived threat.
The clarification aims to quell growing speculation over drone sightings, which have sparked concern and theories about their origin.