FACT CHECK: Does Video Show People Firing At A Drone In New Jersey?
A post shared on social media purportedly shows a video of New Jersey residents shooting at one of the drones spotted in the East Coast recently.
🚨BREAKING: People Are Literally SHOOTING at the Drones in New Jersey Now! pic.twitter.com/TuPkBZmYzJ
— Jay Anderson (@TheProjectUnity) December 13, 2024
Verdict: False
The video in the post was altered to show people taking shots at the drone
Fact Check:
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Temporary Flight Restrictions on the use of drones in certain parts of New Jersey and New York, though last week officials said the drones pose no threat, CNBC News reported. The restrictions will last until Jan. 19, but drone stocks are still rising, according to the outlet.
A post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, allegedly shows people firing on a drone over their neighborhood in New Jersey. The post shows an aircraft with lights flying over wires as a gun is prepped and then fired.
The caption reads, “BREAKING: People Are Literally SHOOTING at the Drones in New Jersey Now!”
The claim is inaccurate. There is no credible news report that suggests this video is authentic and shows people fire on a drone over their neighborhood. The video in the post was altered to show people taking shots at the drone
The video was originally posted on YouTube on Dec. 4 and does not show people firing at the drone. The FBI has warned against attempting to down the mysterious drones, according to Fox News. One concern is that citizens will accidentally harm manned aircraft, according to the outlet. (RELATED: Viral X Video Does Not Authentically Show Drone Flying Over New Jersey)
President-elect Donald Trump called for authorities to shoot down drones, according to The Hill. He claimed that the government must know more than they are telling the citizens and posted on Truth Social calling on the government to further inform the public or shoot the drones down, the outlet reported.
This is not the first time misinformation about the drones sighted has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim the Pentagon is using “Operation Necromancer” to intercept the drones.
