In response to recent reports of unidentified drones in New Jersey and New York, the White House has downplayed their significance. National security officials have emphasized that there is "no evidence at this time that these sightings represent a threat to national security or public safety, nor do they have any foreign affiliations." Nonetheless, leading lawmakers in both chambers are demanding further clarification.

In the past few weeks, residents have been identifying and filming drones that officials indicate are commercial-grade, as opposed to conventional "hobby" drones. Eyewitness accounts and official confirmations suggest that these drones may have a diameter of up to 6 feet. This week, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey contributed to the growing public alarm by asserting on Fox News that the drones originated from an Iranian "mothership" located off the East Coast. The Department of Defense has denied this assertion.

According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, he is expecting to receive a classified briefing on the drones soon. New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy King, along with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, all of whom are members of the Democratic Party, have sent correspondence to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker, requesting briefings on this issue.

Representative Josh Gottheimer, representing New Jersey and serving on the Intelligence Committee, reported that he had been briefed on the drones in the last week and this week. He stated, "I do not believe there is an immediate threat to public safety. However, the public deserves to be more informed."

A multitude of videos has gone viral, receiving tens of thousands of views on social media, which has raised significant concerns. On Wednesday, public fear intensified when Representative Jeff Van Drew asserted on Fox News that the drones were emanating from an Iranian "mothership" located off the "East Coast of the United States."

He called for the drones to be "shot down."

Specific devices are used to interfere with drone signals (called drone jammers), but these devices are usually only used by security forces.