Official U.S. State Department announcements or credible news reports

Michael McCaul Suggests Unidentified Drones Over New Jersey and New York Are Chinese Spy Drones

Dec 17, 2024, 11:03 PM

The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, has suggested that some unidentified drones observed over New Jersey and New York are likely 'spy drones' originating from China. This statement comes in the wake of increased drone sightings that have caused public concern and speculation, including over New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, as well as near New York's Stewart International Airport. McCaul expressed skepticism about the government's response to these incidents, noting that the drones have been spotted over military sites, which he believes indicates adversarial activity. He specifically mentioned the People's Republic of China as a likely source, citing their history of purchasing land near military bases and their proficiency in espionage. The Biden administration, however, has maintained that many of these drones are commercial or fixed-wing aircraft, with no evidence of hostile foreign activity.