The White House has minimized the significance of recent reports regarding unidentified drones observed in New Jersey and New York. National security officials have asserted that there is currently "no evidence that these sightings present a threat to national security or public safety, nor do they appear to have any foreign ties." Nevertheless, prominent legislators in both the House and Senate are calling for clarification.

Over the past several weeks, residents have reported sightings and recorded videos of drones, which officials assert are commercial-grade rather than standard "hobby" drones. Eyewitness accounts and official statements indicate that these drones may measure as much as 6 feet in diameter. Recently, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey exacerbated public concern by proposing on Fox News that these drones originated from an Iranian "mothership" located off the East Coast. The Department of Defense has refuted this assertion.

House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that he anticipates receiving a classified briefing regarding the drones in the near future. Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy King from New Jersey, along with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, have collectively addressed letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker, seeking briefings on the matter.

Representative Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey, who serves on the Intelligence Committee, stated that he received briefings regarding the drones both last week and this week. He expressed, "I do not believe there is an immediate threat to public safety. However, the public has a right to be informed further."

Numerous videos have gained significant traction, accumulating tens of thousands of views across social media platforms, which has raised alarms. However, public anxiety escalated on Wednesday when Representative Jeff Van Drew stated on Fox News that the drones originated from an Iranian "mothership" located off the "East Coast of the United States."

He called for the drones to be "shot down."

Specific devices are used to interfere with drone signals (called drone jammers), but these devices are usually only used by security forces.