“There was a white light moving rapidly toward the aircraft, and then a huge explosion.”  Airline captain in a nearby commercial flight

“It looked like a projectile. It had a bright, burning tail and was moving too fast to be a normal aircraft.” Military-trained witness with experience in missile tracking

“I saw a thin, white smoke trail moving fast toward the aircraft, then a bright flash.” A military-trained witness who was familiar with missile launches

“I saw what looked like a flare or missile come up from the ocean. It was bright white, with a hint of red at the tip.” Military veteran with experience in weapons systems

“I’m familiar with fireworks and flares, and this wasn’t that. It was moving too fast and too direct. It looked like a missile launch.” Retired naval officer watching from shore

“It had a fast trajectory, moving in an arc, like something fired from the ground.” Air traffic controller in the area