An Australian journalist has slammed Government’s attempt to dismiss the mystery “drone” sightings across America’s skies, calling it “complete bulls***.”
Ross Coulthard also warns that the craft may have already invaded skies over key Australian military installations, alluding to the fact that they can outpace military aircraft.
Over the past week, more than 5,000 sightings have been reported to the FBI, with an investigation ongoing across several states.
The FBI, in collaboration with the US Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense, announced on Tuesday that recent drone sightings reported across parts of the United States were primarily misidentified objects, including professional and hobbyist drones.
“After thoroughly analyzing technical data and reviewing tips from the public, we’ve determined that these sightings involve a combination of commercial drones, recreational drones, law enforcement drones, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and even stars mistakenly identified as drones,” stated the joint release.
The agencies emphasized that nothing unusual had been found and concluded that the incidents posed no threat to national security or public safety.
Despite these reassurances, many local and state officials remain unconvinced.
Coulthart dismissed the Government’s explanation, branding it a deliberate attempt to downplay the issue.
“That’s absolute nonsense,” Coulthart, a five-time Walkley Award winner, told Daily Mail Australia. “It’s a complete cover-up.”
Coulthart criticized the official narrative suggesting the objects were “legal drones” and highlighted the implications of their appearance near critical infrastructure.
“These objects are clearly violating regulations, flying over sensitive military installations, and the government seems unable—or unwilling—to address the issue,” he argued. “Someone is not being truthful.”
Coulthart revealed that he had spoken with law enforcement, federal agents, and local politicians who expressed frustration with the federal Government’s dismissal of the sightings.
“This is a clumsy effort by someone in authority to sweep the story under the rug,” he said.
“But the truth is, we still don’t know what these objects are.”
He pointed out that the unexplained objects appeared capable of advanced manoeuvres, including the ability to vanish or “go dark” when approached, suggesting technology far beyond typical drones—or even known human capabilities.
Similar unidentified objects have been observed near significant military sites in Australia, including the joint US-Australian Pine Gap facility near Alice Springs and the Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt in Western Australia.
Pine Gap, a satellite tracking station operated by US and Australian intelligence agencies, has been a critical component of global surveillance since its establishment in 1970. Meanwhile, the Naval Communication Station provides crucial support to naval forces operating in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
“The incidents in the US bear striking similarities to cases in Australia,” Coulthart explained. “But it’s too early to make definitive connections.”
He speculated that political dynamics within the White House might be delaying an official investigation into the sightings, as the US prepares for the upcoming transition of power.
“The government is blatantly lying, and even their own people are calling them out,” he said. “The era of secrecy and misinformation is over.”
US journalist Michael Shellenberger claimed to have obtained recordings from a federal briefing for New Jersey mayors, including officials from the FBI, DHS, and FAA.
According to Shellenberger, the mayors expressed outrage during the meeting.
“One mayor said, ‘I had two automobile-sized drones hovering over my house,'” he recounted during an appearance on Fox News.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also addressed the issue, promising to prioritize public safety. “New York is actively investigating these reports,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But the federal government must grant us the authority to respond directly to these incidents.”
Some lawmakers, including New Jersey Representative Chris Smith, have called for decisive action, even suggesting the military shoot down the drones in non-populated areas.
“We’re dismissing this far too quickly,” Smith said. “We need answers now, not silence. It’s been days, and there’s still no clarity.”
His claims echo that of New Jersey Sheriff’s Office, which reported that 50 drones suddenly emerged from the ocean, prompting the Coast Guard to conduct a full-scale investigation.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy said his officers saw 50 unmanned aerial vehicles, “coming off the ocean.”
“If this is not our military, then it’s even more scary,” McHugh said.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has struggled to track the flying objects as they don’t give off heat like regular drones.
“We don’t know [why]. It’s not something we’ve had our hands on or experienced,” one officer said.
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However, law enforcement officials have urged the public to avoid taking matters into their own hands.
Nelson Delgado, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark office, warned about the dangers of amateur attempts to neutralize drones.
“Pilots are reporting an increase in laser strikes because people on the ground think they’re targeting drones,” Delgado explained in a video statement. “We’re also concerned about the risk of someone using firearms against an aircraft.”
As tensions rise and questions remain unanswered, the mystery of these unidentified aerial objects continues to captivate public attention.
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