Aviation regulator has yet to confirm it authorized drones that have been linked to unexplained sightings in the U.S. Northeast.
The unexplained, SUV-sized drones that caused a stir flying over the areas in the Northeast in November and December have returned. As of Sunday, Jan. 25.
Research company Enigma Labs said it has tallied 650 sightings nationally described as drone-related since November, with most concentrated in the Northeast.
On social media, users shared theories that range from foreign interference to UFOs to hobbyist activity. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security said there was no evidence" the reported drone sightings posed a threat to national security or public safety or had any foreign connection.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced she had an update on the drones to relay “directly” from President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the drones were for research purposes and 'not the enemy.'
The Trump administration said on Tuesday that the FAA authorized the drones to fly over New Jersey last year for research purposes. Few other details were provided.
"This was not the enemy," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, attributing the statement to President Donald Trump.
"This was not the enemy," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said about New Jersey's mysterious drone sightings.
The drones seen flying over New Jersey were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House said on Tuesday. The drones were seen not only over the Garden State but over other states in November, Fox News reported.
Drone sightings in November and December sparked public concern and drew attention from the FBI for investigation