The White House now says that the drones seen flying over vast swaths of the East Coast were actually just research vessels approved for flight by the Federal Aviation Administration. After those drones took flight and led to concerns among many Americans, some hobbyists also took flight amid the frenzy, the administration says.

The White House is offering answers about the drones that were seen flying over New Jersey and other areas late last year. In a press briefing on Tuesday, the White House said they were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a statement from President Donald Trump on Tuesday regarding drone sightings across the region.