On social media, a video from the U.S. has gone viral. While sharing the video, users wrote, “Drones are being reported over the U.S. Capitol.”
Moreover, several users shared this video and made similar claims. The link can be seen here, here and here
Fact Check
During the investigation, DFRAC found the claim to be false. We found multiple media reports regarding the video. According to NBC News, published on December 13, 2024, “Upon reviewing images of the sightings, law enforcement officials have concluded that ‘these are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,’ and that there have been no confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace, Kirby said, adding that they have uncovered no malicious activity.”
Furthermore, we also found a report from USA Today, published on December 14, 2024, stating: “For the last month, New Jerseyans have reported odd lights in the sky at night, a rash of reported drone sightings that has attracted the attention of local residents, politicians, and even President-elect Donald Trump. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have said such sightings mostly appear to be not drones at all.”
Conclusion
It is evident from DFRAC’s fact check that the claim of drones being reported over the U.S. Capitol is false, as law enforcement has confirmed the sightings were actually manned aircraft, and there have been no confirmed drone sightings in restricted airspace. Therefore, the claim shared by social media users is misleading.
