FBI, Homeland Security Provide Update On Drones In PA Skies

PENNSYLVANIA — The FBI and Department of Homeland Security say they may have an answer for what's behind the increased sightings of mysterious aircraft and lights in the skies over Pennsylvania and nearby states: absolutely nothing unusual.

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the agencies said that they've received some 5,000 tips and followed up on more than 100 leads with advanced detection technologies and trained observers.

"Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the agencies said. "We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast."

See also: PA State Police Investigating Mysterious Drone Sightings

This may well be met with a skeptical eye by the residents and local officials across eastern Pennsylvania who have taken to social media over the past week — and over the past month in New Jersey — to share video of sights which they do not believe to be so easily explained away.

The FBI and Homeland Security did not explain why, if the sightings are just regular private and commercial drones and planes, there has been such a marked increase in the sightings.

It comes within days after Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered a statewide investigation into the incidents, and the Pennsylvania State Police deployed helicopters to more closely investigate.

The federal agencies said they still "recognize the concern" the public has expressed regarding the drones, and urged Congress to pass "counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems)" legislation immediately. They advised new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge."

Related: Can You Shoot Down Drones In PA? What To Know

A Pennsylvania state senator has also requested the federal government give the states authorities to "deal" with the drones directly, calling them a national security and public safety risk.

“Current federal regulations tie the hands of state and local governments, preventing them from taking immediate action when drones threaten the safety and privacy of our communities,” State Sen. Rosemary Brown, who represents Monroe County, said in a statement. "This is about giving states the tools they need to protect their residents."

Her letter to the FAA calls for a change in current regulations that require states to cede authority to the federal government.

"Our communities cannot afford delays caused by federal bureaucracy when faced with potential threats," she said. "States must be permitted to respond in real time."

Sightings over military facilities in New Jersey and around the country are not new, authorities said, and investigations are consistently ongoing into encroachment by drones over Department of Defense airspace.