Biden’s White House is downplaying reports of unauthorized drone activity over military installations in New Jersey. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby categorically denied any confirmed incursions, dismissing over 3,000 reports of “car-sized drones” as mistaken sightings of helicopters or airplanes.
Kirby’s assurances, however, directly contradict statements from military officials at New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, both of which have confirmed unauthorized drone breaches in recent weeks.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Kirby claimed:
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they’re working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin.”
Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings.
To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully.
The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey, and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace.”
WATCH:
John Kirby on drone activity in and around New Jersey: “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus… We have not been able to…corroborate any of the reported visual sightings.” pic.twitter.com/xfxFaJQUaN
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 12, 2024
Yet, in stark contrast, Picatinny Arsenal has confirmed at least 11 drone incursions, and Naval Weapons Station Earle reported two separate incidents of drones entering their airspace, according to NJ.com.
“We are aware and monitoring the reports of unauthorized drone flights in the vicinity of military installations in New Jersey to include Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, and we refer you to those installations for information on any efforts they are may be conducting to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and operations,” the spokesperson said.
“Local law enforcement and the FBI are currently investigating,” the spokesperson added. “U.S. Northern Command conducted a deliberate analysis of the events, in consultation with other military organizations and interagency partners, and at this time we have not been requested to assist with these events.”
Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart wrote on X, “This statement from White House National Security Spokesman Adm Kirby is in direct contradiction to a statement issued by the NJ Picatinny Arsenal base commander. Adm. Kirby says there’s been NO reported or confirmed ‘drone’ incursions in restricted airspace. Yet, the base says there’s been 11 confirmed. Why would a White House spokesman recklessly issue such a misleading and false claim?”
The conflicting narratives have sparked outrage among lawmakers from New York and New Jersey, with demands for a federal briefing on the incidents. Concerns are mounting that the administration is either dismissing or deliberately downplaying potential security breaches at critical military installations.
This statement from White House National Security Spokesman Adm Kirby is in direct contradiction to a statement issued by the NJ Picatinny Arsenal base commander. Adm. Kirby says there’s been NO reported or confirmed ‘drone’ incursions in restricted airspace. Yet, the base says… https://t.co/IIBDjIxibw
— Ross Coulthart (@rosscoulthart) December 13, 2024
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is blasting the Pentagon over the lack of transparency about the drones being spotted flying over New Jersey.
“I’m going to call it total bullsh-t that no one knows what these are,” Greene said in the video. “They can track down a guy that just killed a CEO, but they can’t identify what nightly drones are and where they’re coming from.”
Greene said the government was “lying” about not knowing who these drones belong to or where they are coming from.
Read more:
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green Says Pentagon ‘Full of Crap’ Regarding Drones Over New Jersey (VIDEO)
