During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Adviser, addressed concerns regarding recent reports of numerous drone sightings. According to Kirby, the administration has assessed the situation and found that the majority of these reported incidents involve what they deem “legal and lawful” drones and aircraft. So far, there have been no indications of any criminal activities or national security threats associated with these sightings, which suggests that they are largely benign in nature.
Kirby elaborated on the forensic efforts the government has undertaken to analyze over 5,000 reported sightings. Of these, the FBI has narrowed down the investigation to around 100 cases that still require verification. He emphasized that there are no “anomalous” findings among the majority of the sightings, indicating a concentrated effort to ascertain the origins and legality of drone operations. As these assessments progress, Kirby stressed the importance of transparency, revealing that the government is committed to sharing both what they know and what remains uncertain.
While Kirby acknowledged the initial media excitement surrounding the sightings, he pointed out that multiple eyewitness reports often cluster around the same incident, which can lead to inflated numbers of reported sightings. For instance, he noted that up to twelve different individuals might report the same drone, resulting in multiple entries for a single event. This fact has allowed the administration to effectively reduce the total number of unique sightings and focus on substantiating the few remaining reports.
In addition to the drones, Kirby also highlighted that some sightings could potentially be misidentified objects, such as stars or other celestial phenomena, underscoring the need for careful consideration in assessing what constitutes a legitimate sighting. He affirmed that the ongoing collaboration with local and state authorities would continue to refine the data and reports received, adding a layer of thoroughness to the investigation process.
Looking ahead, Kirby underscored that while the assessment as of now suggests no imminent threat, the investigation is ongoing and subject to change as new information comes in. He indicated a proactive stance in managing these sightings, hinting that updates will likely continue to surface in the following days. The government’s approach remains focused on ensuring public safety, while also being vigilant and responsive to any potential risks associated with unmanned aerial vehicles in national airspace.
In conclusion, Kirby reassured viewers that the administration is determined to handle the drone sighting issue methodically and responsibly. While the initial findings appear to categorize the incidents as non-threatening, the White House continues to monitor the situation closely. By working in close collaboration with law enforcement and local authorities, the goal is to thoroughly investigate each report while maintaining transparency with the public about both the ongoing assessments and the absence of immediate threats.