Drone Sightings Reported in New Jersey and New York: What We Know

Bright lights floating or flying in the night sky above New Jersey have captivated residents for nearly a month. Now the sightings — some of which are of drones, federal officials said — have spread throughout the region.

For weeks, federal authorities investigating the sightings have provided few answers about what the objects are or their origin, leaving residents unsettled and local leaders frustrated.

Alejandro Mayorkas, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed in an interview with ABC News on Sunday “that there’s no question that drones are being sighted.”

Mr. Mayorkas said the Federal Aviation Administration changed its rules last year so that drones could fly at night — a possible reason, he said, for the recent uptick in sightings along the East Coast.

He did not offer any other details as to who might be flying the drones or where they are coming from, but he said that the federal government would help the New Jersey State Police respond to the sightings.

Assurances from state and federal officials that the sightings do not indicate a threat to residents have done little to allay public concerns. Lawmakers have expressed frustration with the lack of information, and are urging the federal government to share more about its investigation.