On February 4th, the first of soon-to-be four objects were shot down after much planning and observing. The first, a Chinese balloon, was nearly the size of three school buses, causing much concern from the government. However, it was eventually shot down over the Atlantic Ocean, three days after it was first seen floating over the U.S. Unfortunately, this created some diplomatic fallout.

It was a “clear overreaction”, said Tan Kefei, a China Defense Military spokesperson. China’s Foreign Ministry also stated it was “a serious violation of international customary practice.”

However, a senior U.S. defense official insisted the object was in a “fleet of balloons developed to conduct surveillance operations, which have also violated the sovereignty of other countries.”

Then, on February 10th, a new U.F.O. was shot down off the coast of Alaska. However, this is the object that began the trend of unknown origin. While China admitted the first object was theirs, and it was confirmed by U.S. officials as well, this object was claimed by no one.

“We don’t know who owns it — whether it’s state-owned or corporate-owned or privately-owned, we just don’t know.” Said John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Afterwards, the Pentagon revealed they would not release footage of the takedown in Alaska to the outcry of many. A Defense Department spokesperson stated, “None of the footage has been cleared for release.”

Then, on February 11th, another U.F.O. was shot down over Canada, again with unknown origin. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada confirmed the “takedown of an unidentified object that violated Canadian Airspace.”

And finally, on February 14th, an ‘octagonal structure’ was shot down above Lake Huron, with even more confusion following.
“So, at this point, the octagon-shaped object could be just about anything—from a spy balloon to a hoax,” historian of the University of Dayton Janet Bednarek said.

All four of these UFOs have resulted in much conversation and debate. Many theories have spawned, from all four being balloons or Chinese spy balloons to them having an extraterrestrial origin, and more. However, Jean-Pierre has officially stated from the White House that the UFOs have no extraterrestrial origin after many alien-related theories spread quickly.

“I know there have been questions and concerns about this, but there is no — again no indication — of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns, I wanted to make sure that the American people knew that, all of you knew that and it was important for us to say that from here because we’ve been hearing a lot about it.”

While this series of events was confusing and alarming, most government officials insist no civilian should be concerned as they are not perceived to be a threat. And in the past couple of months, no more tensions have risen between the U.S. and China no more mysterious UFOs have been discovered, but the lasting effect of these mysterious objects is still very much felt.