White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that U.S. government evidence shows that drone sightings reported in New Jersey were "operated lawfully" and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Lawmakers are demanding briefings about mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, as the White House downplayed any potential threats to national security or the public.

Republican New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew announced that the drones flying over his home state are from Iran. The drones, some reportedly the size of small cars, have been described as operating near military installations and critical infrastructure including Picatinny Arsenal and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.