Amid public alarm, President-elect Trump calls for decisive action as federal agencies investigate unexplained drone activity.
December 14, 2024: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has called for the “shooting down” of the mystery drones that have been reported across various parts of the country, sparking widespread concern and investigations.
Also Read: Trump Invites Xi Jinping to Inauguration Amid Political Comeback and US-China Tensions
“Mystery drone sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, adding emphatically, “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!”
Also Read: Donald Trump’s Push to End Birthright Citizenship: What It Means for Indian-Americans
The sightings began in New Jersey a few days ago and have since been reported in other states. Despite the growing concerns, the federal government and White House have maintained that these drones do not pose any immediate national security or public safety threat, nor is there evidence of foreign involvement.
Also Read: Trump Refers to Trudeau as ‘Governor’ During Trade Talks
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby addressed the issue on Thursday, stating, “Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft operating lawfully.” He reassured the public that investigations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI, in collaboration with state and local law enforcement, are ongoing. Kirby emphasized there have been no confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace.
A joint statement by the DHS and FBI echoed Kirby’s stance, adding that detection methods have so far not corroborated the visual sightings with electronic evidence. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has ruled out any foreign involvement from coastal vessels.
However, concerns continue to grow. New York and New Jersey lawmakers, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, have raised the alarm. In a letter to the DHS, FBI, and FAA, they emphasized the security risks posed by untraceable drones, especially in civilian areas. They cited prior incidents of drone incursions at sensitive military sites as a cause for heightened vigilance.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey has urged federal agencies to empower state and local law enforcement with the tools needed to take down unauthorized drones safely. “There is clearly too much of it here in Jersey and other parts of the country,” Gottheimer said, pressing for immediate public transparency on the issue.
As federal agencies continue their investigations, Trump’s call for action has intensified the national debate on drone activity, safety, and surveillance.
Tags:
Donald Trump, mystery drones, U.S. drone sightings, New Jersey drones, national security, DHS, FBI investigation, public safety, unauthorised drones, drone incursions,
