(NewsNation) — Federal agencies have offered explanations for drone sightings in the night sky above New Jersey, but lawmakers are pushing back, saying what they have been told doesn’t fully explain what’s happening.
A joint statement from the FBI, the FAA, the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security read, in part, “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 went on to say the government has no reason to believe the drones are dangerous or that they pose a risk to national security. The government is also asking the public not to shoot down drones due to the risk of injury.
However, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are not buying the statement, pushing back on the claims. House lawmakers are receiving a classified briefing on the subject today where they are expected to seek more information.
“I think they need to be a lot more candid about what’s going on. You hear reports [that] boats are pulling up and releasing large numbers of drones,” said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La. “That’s not some kid in his garage, and it’s not an airplane or a star. So I hope they’re more candid.”
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand told NewsNation she thinks the statement is an incomplete analysis. Gillibrand said she is well aware of drone incursions over military bases from drones of unknown origin.
Another House lawmaker told NewsNation the DoD would need to “show their work” to prove why the sightings are misidentifications of aircraft, helicopters or stars. He said it’s hard to accept that explanation when people are coming forward describing vehicles 6 to 10 feet long.
Lawmakers are also working on legislation regarding drones. There is concern about clarifying the rules of engagement in terms of who has the authority to bring a drone down and when it is appropriate to do so.