Warning Issued to Avoid Shooting Down Drones
New Jersey Drone Sightings Spark Concern
As public concern continues to escalate over drones flying above New Jersey and other parts of the tri-state, there is a new warning from law enforcement to those thinking of taking certain actions: Don’t shoot the drones out of the sky.
FBI and New Jersey State Police Issue Warning
"Putting someone else’s life in danger is not the answer," said Nelson Delgado, of the FBI’s Newark office.
Laser Attacks on Manned Aircraft
The urgent warning follows an alarming number of instances involving people shining lasers into the eyes of manned aircraft mistaken for drones. The powerful lights from people on the ground can be dangerously blinding.
Shooting Down Piloted Aircraft
And when coupled with new concerns that someone could try to take it a step further and shoot a pilot-operated aircraft mistaken for a drone, there could be catastrophic results.
Experts Weigh In
"It could cost them both medical harm and incredible safety problems for the rest of the population on the ground and potentially anybody on the aircraft," said NBC News National Security Analyst Clint Watts.
Origin of Drones Remains Unclear
The warning comes as questions continue floating around the tri-state about the origin of the drones, specifically if the surge of drones are connected to radioactive material the feds said was lost in transit in New Jersey earlier in December.
House Intelligence Committee Ruling
Members of the House Intelligence Committee ruled that out following a classified intelligence briefing Tuesday afternoon.
"We were assured, and we asked this question over and over and over again. They are not federal government operations to sniff radiation, gas recovery, anything else," said Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut.
Drone Sightings Reach 5,000
The drone problem has become so rampant that it’s even shut down airports. Governor Hochul says the feds are sending help to the New York City area.
Experts Offer Tips
Officials have said there is no reason to believe any laws or being broken or public safety is at risk. Experts say anyone looking to target what they believe are unmanned aircrafts in the sky should seriously understand what they’re looking at.
"Is it stationary or moving very slowly, left and right or inverse? That’s very different from an aircraft for the most part. It could be a helicopter but usually you would hear noise," said Watts.
Conclusion
The federal government is taking the situation seriously, investigating about 100 of the reported 5,000 drone sightings in the last few weeks. It’s essential for the public to understand the risks involved and not take matters into their own hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the drones connected to the lost radioactive material?
A: The House Intelligence Committee has ruled out any connection between the drones and the lost radioactive material.
Q: Is public safety at risk?
A: Officials have said there is no reason to believe any laws or being broken or public safety is at risk.
Q: What should I do if I see a drone?
A: Experts recommend understanding what you’re looking at before taking any action. Is it stationary or moving very slowly, left and right or inverse? That’s very different from an aircraft for the most part.
