In an attempt to 12 years, several federal agencies released *** joint statement overnight saying that these sightings are *** mix of professional as well as amateur drones and people mista other objects for them. The White House downplaying the appearance and threat of mysterious drones. There's no indication again, as I said that there's *** threat to the public. And again, we'll keep everybody informed as demands for answers are growing, be transparent. Don't insult people and tell them they're not seeing anything come clean with folks. The FBI more than 5000 potential sightings pouring in over the last few weeks pledging to investigate further. While there's no shortage of reports of pos about possible drone activity, we still have very few answers. The sighting spurring *** push for action from lawmakers. This week, I will move for the Senate to pass legislation, giving local officials the tools and authorities necessary to act, working for stricter rules on who can fly drones and who can get rid of them. Let's give law local law enforcement the tools they need to actually monitor these drones to monitor the activity and if necessary to work with federal partners to get these drones out of the sky. And the Department of Homeland Security says it has deployed advanced detection tech as well as trained visual observers in areas where these sightings are happening in Washington. I'm Amy Lip.
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White House quells concerns over mysterious drone sightings as lawmakers push for legislative action
Updated: 9:20 AM EST Dec 17, 2024
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In a joint statement Monday night, the Department of Homeland Security, along with the FBI, FAA and Department of Defense, said recent drone sightings are believed to be a mix of professional and amateur drones – and people mistaking other objects for them. "Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the statement said. "We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk."More than 5,000 potential sightings have poured in over the last few weeks, according to the FBI, as federal agencies pledge to investigate the matter further. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security say it has deployed advanced detection technology and trained visual observers to areas where sightings are happening.At the White House, officials downplayed growing public concerns over the sightings, clarifying that they do not appear to be a threat."There's no indication that there's a threat to the public," White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said Monday. "We'll keep everybody informed."Even so, the sightings have spurred public scrutiny and calls from lawmakers for transparency. Some have pledged to bring legislative action to regulate drones flying in U.S. airspace."Don't insult people and tell them they're not seeing anything," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey. "Let's give local law enforcement the tools they need to actually monitor these drones, to monitor the activity, and if necessary, to work with federal partners to get these drones out of the sky.""While there is no shortage of reports about possible drone activity, we still have very few answers," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. "This week, I will move for the Senate to pass legislation giving local officials the tools and authorities necessary to act."Other officials, including President-elect Donald Trump, have urged action to take down the drones."Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he said in a social media post.
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<strong class="dateline">WASHINGTON —</strong> In a joint statement Monday night, the Department of Homeland Security, along with the FBI, FAA and Department of Defense, said recent drone sightings are believed to be a mix of professional and amateur drones – and people mistaking other objects for them.
“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement said. “We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk.”
More than 5,000 potential sightings have poured in over the last few weeks, according to the FBI, as federal agencies pledge to investigate the matter further. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security say it has deployed advanced detection technology and trained visual observers to areas where sightings are happening.
At the White House, officials downplayed growing public concerns over the sightings, clarifying that they do not appear to be a threat.
“There’s no indication that there’s a threat to the public,” White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said Monday. “We’ll keep everybody informed.”
Even so, the sightings have spurred public scrutiny and calls from lawmakers for transparency. Some have pledged to bring legislative action to regulate drones flying in U.S. airspace.
“Don’t insult people and tell them they’re not seeing anything,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey. “Let’s give local law enforcement the tools they need to actually monitor these drones, to monitor the activity, and if necessary, to work with federal partners to get these drones out of the sky.”
“While there is no shortage of reports about possible drone activity, we still have very few answers,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “This week, I will move for the Senate to pass legislation giving local officials the tools and authorities necessary to act.”
Other officials, including President-elect Donald Trump, have urged action to take down the drones.
“Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he said in a social media post.
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#White #House #quells #concerns #mysterious #drone #sightings
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