On Friday’s episode of Fox News Channel’s *The Story*, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby defended New Jersey’s guidance advising residents to call HAZMAT and the bomb squad if they encounter a downed drone. Kirby stated the recommendations “make perfect sense to me,” emphasizing the uncertainty and potential risks associated with any type of aircraft, including the possibility of hazardous materials or fuel.
Host Martha MacCallum highlighted the New Jersey intelligence bulletin, issued in December 2024, which instructed residents not to approach downed or landed drones and to contact a hazardous materials response unit or bomb squad. She asked, “Do you agree with those recommendations if one of these things comes into someone’s house or lands in their yard?”
Kirby responded, “Yeah, look, I haven’t seen that directive, but all of that makes perfect sense to me. As a former military person, if any kind of aircraft lands near you or your family, you should call the authorities and not approach it. You don’t know what it is or what kind of fuel it might carry. The safest course of action is to report it, avoid contact, and ensure no one gets hurt.”