What’s New
Saturday Night Live (SNL), in its Weekend Update, weighed in on the mysterious drones spotted over New York and New Jersey in recent weeks.
Cast member Bowen Yang appeared dressed as a drone alongside segment host Michael Che, poking fun at the mystery which has left lawmakers and the public demanding answers from government agencies.
Why It Matters
In recent weeks, a wave of drone activity has been reported across New York, New Jersey and other states. Speculation is growing over why the number of sightings has increased, where the drones may have come from, who is flying them and whether they pose a national security threat.
With federal officials offering few answers on the matter, and state and local officials having little authority to manage the situation, the public is becoming increasingly concerned about the sightings. The unexplained phenomenon also sparked speculation among members of the public, experts and lawmakers—with some even turning to conspiracy theories.
What To Know
Yang appeared as an overconfident and misunderstood drone, repeatedly batting back Che’s inquiries into what he was doing in New Jersey.
“So, how are you?” asked Che. “Or should I say, what are you?”
Yang replied, “No, see, we’re not going to do that. I know what I am, and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone at any time for any reason.”
“Okay, but who’s controlling you?” said Che.
“Who’s controlling you, Michael?” Yang replied. “People are like, ‘Is a UFO? Is it a drone? Is it promo for SNL 50?’ Meanwhile, I’m just minding my own business, hovering over people’s homes, maybe filming them.”
“All these dumb theories,” Yang continued. “Bethenny Frankel’s going Super Saiyan on TikTok talking about orbs and plasma
SNL posted the clip to X shortly after midnight on Sunday. It had been viewed 123,100 times by 7 a.m. on Sunday.
“All right, what’s this obsession with whether I’m manned or not?” Yang continued. “For the record, I can get a man whenever I want. Trust me, there’s no problem there. Manned, unmanned, I make it work.”
a drone stops by the desk to clear the air pic.twitter.com/aGVwUst0PQ
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2024
What People Are Saying
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said in a news briefing: “We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and even stars that were mistakenly reported as drones.”
President Joe Biden to reporters: “[the drones are] nothing nefarious apparently. But they’re checking it all out. There’s a—I think it’s just one. There’s a lot of drones authorized to be up there.”
President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!”
What Happens Next
Public pressure on both federal and state agencies to provide definitive answers is likely to grow in the coming weeks, as lawmakers and the American people continue to speculate about the potential threat the mysterious drones could pose to national security.
The post ‘SNL’ Takes on New Jersey Drones: ‘Dumb Theories’ appeared first on Newsweek.
