A U.S. Coast Guard crew member has rejected the White House’s claims about a drone swarm incident off the coast of New Jersey. The encounter, which involved up to 30 drones following a Coast Guard vessel, has sparked debate about security risks and government transparency.
The drones were described as large, hovering 80 to 100 feet above the vessel with flashing lights. They reportedly followed the boat’s movements for about 15 minutes before heading inland.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby dismissed the event, attributing the sightings to misidentified airliners. The Coast Guard member, however, called that explanation “ridiculous,” insisting the drones’ behavior and appearance were unmistakable.
“We’ve been on the water long enough to know the difference between a plane and a drone,” the crew member said, adding that the drones appeared to be government-grade technology.
Although the White House downplayed the incident, the FAA has restricted drone operations in certain areas of New Jersey until mid-January. Critics say this contradicts the administration’s assurances that the sightings were harmless.
The incident highlights broader concerns about unexplained drone activity near sensitive sites. Observers warn that the government’s dismissive response could leave critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.
