In a joint statement on Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security addressed the reported sightings in New Jersey. The agencies said historically, authorities had experienced cases of mistaken identity, in which reported drones were later found to be manned aircraft, and this had been the case in recent weeks.

Over the past 24 hours, the New York State Police have received multiple reports of drone sightings across various areas of the state.Authorities have confirme

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.