Speaking to reporters at the White House Monday afternoon, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured Americans a number of "objects" that were shot down by the U.S. in recent days are not aliens or extraterrestrial beings.
KJP: "There is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent take downs." pic.twitter.com/tiWyQXi1Bv
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 13, 2023
The clarification comes after United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command General Glen VanHerck refused to rule out the possibility the objects could be aliens.
REPORTER: "Have you ruled out aliens or extraterrestrials?"
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 13, 2023
GENERAL GLEN D. VANHERCK: "I haven't ruled out anything at this point." pic.twitter.com/rT0freDQyC
And while the White House claims they know unknown objects were not aliens, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters the objects still cannot be identified and cannot be classified as balloons. When asked if the White House has any images of the objects, Kirby punted to the Pentagon and said he wasn't sure if they had images or if they would be releasable to the public.
John Kirby: We couldn't rule out that the unidentified objects were gathering surveillance information.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 13, 2023
"You want to air on the side of safety...in terms of protecting our national security...these objects...likely did...transit over potential military sites..." pic.twitter.com/KUVQbzjngF
As for what's next, defense officials say they're expecting additional objects in the coming days. Kirby echoed that sentiment.
KIRBY: "Where we go from here, I think we just don't know right now..." pic.twitter.com/uteXuQ89V2
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 13, 2023