The White House has announced that the mysterious drones that illuminated skies across the US late last year were authorized by federal regulators and "not the enemy."
According to President Donald Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had permitted the drones for research, with many owned by local residents in the area. The sightings were concentrated in New Jersey and nearby states during November and December, sparking widespread online theories regarding their origin and purpose.
Despite public speculation, officials refrained from definitively addressing the issue, only assuring the public that the drones posed no threat to national security or public safety.
Ms. Leavitt acknowledged the escalating levels of curiosity surrounding the drones, stating, "This was not the enemy."
This statement marks the most conclusive assurance yet that there was no malicious intent behind the drone activity.
The FBI reported receiving over 5,000 tips related to drone sightings from concerned citizens in December, underlining the public interest and concern regarding the issue.
Authorities confirmed that the sightings were mainly lawful drones operated by hobbyists and law enforcement, in addition to conventional aircraft such as planes and helicopters, including "stars mistakenly reported as drones."