FULL HEARING: Drones Over New Jersey Mystery Update Pentagon Briefing

Former CIA operations officer Laura Ballman told "Fox News Live" the mysterious drone sightings are "extremely unsettling" as the public seeks answers.

Drones sightings across New Jersey have unsettled residents for weeks with no official explanations being offered. Ballman argued that circumstances around the drone sightings suggest it may be a U.S. operation.

"Deducing the statements from [National Security spokesman] John Kirby that these drones are not operating illegally, coupled with several op-eds that have been out there in the last 24 hours about the need to look at our detection systems, makes me think perhaps this is actually a classified exercise to test either evasion technology or detection technology in urban areas," Ballman said.

Ballman went on to say she would be "shocked" if the drones were related to the CIA, saying it is "not their mandate to operate in the United States." She added that she is "troubled" by why the U.S. government has not been forthcoming with information regarding the drones.

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[WhatsCookinToday]

Every person who knows anything about drones knows he’s lying.

[jojoc]

You're making this sound normal and it is not

[wezylinn]

6-8 ft drones are not hobbyists! They need to stop saying that.

[BearIvory]

They are really determined to make this seem like it is just a normal occurrence. Fascinating.

[jeffreymanestar]

Bring in another liar. Still the same bs.

[Jesus-qxs]

The '90s X-Files series was ahead of its time

[supremegalacticcommander]

Great question on why is the briefing classified if there is “nothing to hide”, bingo! This is super sketchy.

[aquaham]

These drones are over 8 feet long and don't give off heat. These are not part of the 1 million registered drone users, don't insult us

[IIKings]

Nobody called him out for his failure to comment on the Suv sized, no heat signature, flying in groups at night drones. He kept sidestepping by referencing normal drone activity.

[rorybrantley]

He thinks we are stupid, nothing to see here.. yeah right

[findingunicornsstocks]

Why are they not telling us the truth? This is concerning. I'm not seeing any panic, just concern that is warranted.

[leomag]

Couldn't they send a military drone to find out what they are and where they land when their battery runs out? It's simple!

[welcometobooksplugged]

Not to my knowledge. Then who has the knowledge??

[Roshinyc]

the facial expressions give away his lies every time, his poker face sucks.

[rebekahs]

What BS! This is a swarm of drones before transfer of power, youre telling me its hobbies and farmers and architects?

[carahawn]

Sounds to me he needs a new job he don't know nothing

[maryannec]

Tell us what they ARE not what they are not!!!!

[lelaurasavage]

What is he reading while answering the questions from the "press"

[MichaelArkangel-]

If they're personal harmless drones, then the owners should be required to come forward. If not then be prosecuted for menacing.

[joannemsarlo]

THEY HAVE FLOWN INTO RESTRICTED AIR SPACE. THIS GUY SHOULD BE FIRED