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FBI Director James Comey on Thursday defended the agency's use of surveillance aircraft over Baltimore during the April riots, adding that the planes were used at the request of local officials.

"If there is tremendous turbulence in a community, it’s useful to everybody -- civilians and law enforcement -- to have a view of what’s going on," Comey told lawmakers during a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. "Where are the fires in this community? Where are people gathering? Where do people need help?"

Responding to questions from Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat, Comey said he does not believe the surveillance flights require a search warrant because they are not focused on individuals. Comey said the agency has conducted such flights "since the Wright brothers."

The FBI flew similar flights over Ferguson, Mo., in the days following the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014. The activity has attracted attention of civil libertarians who have sought more details about the aircraft and the flights.