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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – The baffling drone sightings that had residents of Rockland County, New Jersey, and several East Coast states on edge late last year have finally been explained. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her inaugural press briefing on Tuesday, revealed that the drones were legally authorized for flight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research and other designated purposes.
As reported by CBS News and MSN, Leavitt revealed a message conveyed directly from the Oval Office. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” said Leavitt. She also clarified that many of the drones were also flown by hobbyists, recreational users, and private individuals interested in the growing technology. “In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy,” she added.
Concerns Over Security and Federal Transparency
The wave of drone sightings in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other East Coast states triggered a major public outcry in December, especially after some of the objects were reportedly spotted near military installations. Many residents demanded answers from officials, urging them to identify the source of the flights.
The FBI, which spearheaded the investigation, confirmed that it received several thousand tips about the drones. Local law enforcement agencies also joined the probe to determine whether the drones posed a threat to national security or public safety.
On social media platforms such as the North Rockland Community Facebook Group—which boasts over 28,000 members—local users speculated about the drones’ origins. Theories ranged from foreign interference and UFOs to experimental hobbyist activities. Some community members instinctively believed that the federal government knew more than they were letting on. It turns out, they were correct.
FAA Oversight and Regulated Drone Flights
According to federal authorities, all drone operations are largely regulated by the FAA. Local companies such as Drone Innovations, for example, are FAA-licensed and conduct low-altitude commercial flights in the region. These regulated flights ensure that commercial drone use complies with aviation laws and public safety standards.
Despite the initial alarm, both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security determined that none of the reported drone sightings were linked to foreign entities or posed a threat. Many of the drones turned out to be commercial, recreational, and law enforcement drones operating lawfully.
Were They Planes or Drones?
Some officials believe that misidentification played a significant role in the drone hysteria. Authorities suggested that many of the sightings could have been aircraft or helicopters from the region’s numerous airports.
According to CBS News, New Jersey Senator Andy Kim echoed this sentiment, stating that after reviewing the reports, “most of the possible drone sightings that were pointed out to me were almost certainly planes.” In December, then-White House national security spokesperson John Kirby had already hinted that the reports likely included “a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones.”
Community members have sometimes reacted with humor, while others remain skeptical. On social media, North Rockland residents joked about taking matters into their own hands. One prominent member of the Tomkins Cove community quipped that locals were “ready to shoot down any invaders on sight.”
Even Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips joined in the lighthearted banter, exclaiming: “Invaders from Mars!”
Despite the laughter, officials continue to advise residents against interfering with drone flights, as unauthorized attempts to disable or destroy drones could be illegal and dangerous.
Case Closed?
For now, the case of the mysterious East Coast drones appears to be resolved, with the federal government reassuring the public that there was no malicious intent behind the flights.
However, with the growing popularity of drone technology and aerial surveillance, concerns about privacy, security, and transparency remain an ongoing conversation.
As Rockland County residents look to the skies, the question remains: will the drones return, and if they do—will the public be informed this time?