Recent drone sightings in New Jersey were authorised by the federal government, the White House said on Tuesday, dispelling theories – including some floated on the campaign trail by US President Donald Trump – about the mysterious incidents.
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“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorised to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons.
“Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday.
“It got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy,” she added, saying that the news came directly from the president.
The statement closely echoes remarks from former US president Joe Biden’s administration last year, which sought to tamp down conspiracy theories surrounding a series of drone sightings across New Jersey and other areas in the Northeast.
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Trump previously suggested – without citing evidence – that the US military knew where drones took off from and was wilfully withholding information about the sightings.
