Many New Jersey 'drone' sightings are lawfully operated manned aircraft, White House says

"Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings," Kirby said. "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully. The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey, and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brian Harrell, a former DHS assistant secretary for infrastructure protection under the Trump administration, said Kirby missed a key opportunity to develop trust with the public. 

"The government has a unique opportunity to build trust with the American public here, and they are fumbling the ball," Harrell said. "Yes, additional authorities are needed; however, we have the tools and radar capabilities today to understand the details of these drones. While I don't think foreign nations are involved, it's clear to me that the government or contractors are testing capabilities." 

Kirby appeared to pass the buck to Congress, calling on lawmakers to "expand existing counterdone authorities," recognizing the potential threat of unmanned aircraft. 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on Thursday decried the lack of information coming out of the White House. 

"We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they're flying over airports or military bases," Blumenthal said, according to The Independent. "The Biden administration ought to be acting more aggressively against these drones that have been reported. If only to tell the American people who owns them, who's flying them, what they are. The lack of information is absolutely unacceptable." 

At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state's largest aquifer, about 50 miles west of New York City.

But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster, according to The Associated Press.  

The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend.

During a congressional hearing on the matter, FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler testified that the bureau does not know who is responsible for the drones spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks, the Asbury Park Press reported. Smitth said he was told by officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst that they don't have permission from the Department of Defense to shoot down the unknown aircraft trailing their boats and retrieve them for analysis. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.