Drones Over New Jersey Were Cleared by FAA: White HouseDrones Over New Jersey Were Cleared by FAA: White House

Most of the countless drone sightings over New Jersey last month were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to the White House.

In her first White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement from President Trump stating that the drones were “not the enemy.”

“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt said, reading the White House statement.

No details about the “research or various other reasons” were provided.

“Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” read the statement. “In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”

In mid-December, the FAA temporarily banned drones over parts of New Jersey.

The FAA said the temporary flight restrictions, which ended on Jan. 17, were issued “at the request of federal security partners.”

At the time, the New Jersey temporary ban included Hamilton, Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, Metuchen, North Brunswick Township, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancock Bridge and Kearny.  

Related:Drone Sightings: The Rundown on What Is Being Seen and Heard

Despite speculation of any government being behind or aware of the many drones being seen over New Jersey and other areas recently, drones were allowed to fly at night before the temporary ban, according to the FAA.