FAA Expands Restrictions On Drones After Mysterious Sightings In N.J. After Biden Administration Denies ‘National Security Threat’

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded temporary drone flight restrictions to investigate the appearance of “mysterious illegal drones” flying over New Jersey. The restrictions were issued after a drone ban in nearly two dozen towns and municipalities went into effect in December and will last through Jan. 18.

Under the FAA order, no uncrewed aircraft can operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspace in each town; there are some exceptions for first responders and certain commercial drones. Federal officials do not believe there is a threat, and many sightings of manned aircraft are mistaken for drones.

New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim (D) even released his own video to debunk conspiracy theories.

A recent CBS news poll shows that 78% of Americans believe the government is withholding vital information, and 53% believe the drones are a threat.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told Politico, “Our assessment tells us that these are commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones are operating legally and lawfully.”

“We’ve seen nothing from their behavior,” he continued, “that tells us there is a national security or public safety threat.” Additionally, he called the appearance of drones in New Jersey an ecosystem coming to life, with the numbers only increasing as the utilities of drone usage go up.

“That’s why we’re calling for more authority from congressmen,” Kirby added. “We need legislative authorities to deal with the gaps and seams between state officials and the federal government and how we manage this airspace, which is only going to get more crowded.”

Local officials have demanded more transparency about the origins of drones and to give local law enforcement authorities the authority to address them. One conspiracy theory has even suggested that the drones are being launched by a “Chinese mothership.”

Subscribe to uInterview’s free weekly email for the latest entertainment news & exclusive celebrity videos!

Let us know what you think of the story in the comments below – join the conversation!