Photo: Getty Images
The FBI and New Jersey State Police have issued a warning to residents, urging them not to aim lasers at aircraft or shoot down drones. This alert comes after an increase in drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast, which has led to confusion and dangerous actions by some individuals.
According to a statement from the FBI, there have been incidents where people mistakenly identified manned aircraft as drones and aimed lasers at them, posing a risk to pilots. The authorities emphasized the potential for serious consequences if a manned aircraft is targeted.
The statement also highlighted the ease with which people can misidentify manned aircraft as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), leading to potentially deadly outcomes. Officials have been actively working to track down those operating drones illegally and have stressed the importance of accurate identification to maintain safety.
Despite public concern, U.S. officials, including Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, have assured that the drones do not pose a national security threat. The FBI has received over 5,000 reports of drone sightings in recent weeks, reflecting growing public anxiety.
Connecticut Representative Jim Himes has called for more transparency from federal agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration to address public concerns and provide clarity on the situation.