In recent weeks, a significant number of unidentified drones have been observed flying over various parts of New Jersey and the East Coast, sparking widespread speculation and concern. Residents and officials alike are questioning the origin and purpose of these drones.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has officially requested answers from U.S. President Joe Biden regarding this mysterious activity. Newly elected Senator Andy Kim personally spent Thursday night searching for the drones in northern New Jersey and subsequently shared his observations on X (formerly Twitter).
While Governor Murphy and law enforcement authorities have consistently emphasized that the drones do not appear to pose an immediate threat to public safety, many lawmakers are advocating for stricter regulations on drone monitoring and operation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively involved in investigating these incidents, alongside other relevant agencies. The FBI has urged residents to assist in the investigation by sharing any videos, photos, or other information they may have pertaining to the drones.
What’s happening with the drones in New Jersey?
Since November, numerous residents across New Jersey have reported sightings of unidentified drones. These unexplained occurrences have fueled speculation, with some even drawing comparisons to other enigmatic phenomena, such as the Hessdalen Lights, a mysterious light display observed in Norway.
The initial sightings were concentrated along the Raritan River, which flows into the Round Valley Reservoir, approximately 50 miles west of New York City. However, reports of similar drone activity quickly spread throughout the state. Notably, drones were observed near Picatinny Arsenal, a prominent military research and production facility,as well as above a golf course in Bedminster.
Recent sightings have also occurred in coastal regions. Republican Congressman Chris Smith reported that a Coast Guard commanding officer informed him that twelve drones closely trailed one of their rescue boats during a recent operation.
Federal Officials Insist the Drones Do Not Pose a Danger
The Biden administration has acknowledged the growing unease among someresidents, amidst criticisms from certain quarters for not addressing the issue with sufficient urgency. For the latest updates on the investigations, refer to the most recent report from the Associated Press.
In a Saturday press briefing hosted by the White House, senior officials from the FBI, the Pentagon, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other agencies aimed to alleviate public concerns. They emphasized that the drones do not present a threat to national or public security and are not linked to hostile foreign entities.
An anonymous FBI official acknowledged the public’s apprehension while cautioning against overreacting to the situation.
Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder reiterated the military’s initial assessment, conducted in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council, which concluded that the drones are not associated with foreign actors.
New Jersey Congressman Calls on the Military to Take Action
A New Jersey congressman has urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to intercept and capture one or more of the unidentified drones.
The congressman, Representative Chris Smith, suggested that the drones could be brought down over the ocean or in a sparsely populated area on land. He questioned, “Why can’t we capture at least one of these drones and determine their origin and purpose?”
Representative Jeff Van Drew, another Republican congressman, has also advocated for the military to shoot down the drones.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has cautioned residents against taking matters into their own hands by attempting to shoot down the drones, emphasizing that such actions would be in violation of both state and federal laws.
Drones Have Also Been Seen Over New York
Reports of similar drone activity have emerged in New York, where drone flights require official permits. Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed that the city is actively investigating these incidents and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials.
Approximately 60 miles north of the city, runways at Stewart International Airport were temporarily closed for about an hour on Friday night due to the presence of drones in the airspace, as announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.
“This situation has escalated beyond acceptable limits,” she stated in an official release.
Governor Hochul has called upon Congress to enhance the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of drones and grant state and local law enforcement agencies greater investigative authority.
“Expanding these powers for New York State and our fellow jurisdictions is crucial,” she emphasized. “Until such authority is granted to state and local officials, the Biden administration must intervene by deploying additional federal law enforcement agents to New York and the surrounding region to ensure the safety of our critical infrastructure and our people.”
Are These Drones Dangerous?
The White House has conducted an analysis of reported drone sightings and found that many likely involve legally operating manned aircraft.
In a joint statement, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI declared that they have no evidence to suggest the drones pose a threat to national or public safety or are linked to any foreign entities.
However, State Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who received a briefing from Homeland Security, raised concerns about the size of some of these drones. She reported that some sightings involve drones measuring up to six feet in diameter, often traveling with their lights turned off. These characteristics differ significantly from the typical drones operated by hobbyists.
Who Sent the Drones?
Authorities have yet to determine the origin of the drones. The FBI, Homeland Security, and state police are actively investigating these incidents. Officials remain uncertain whether the sightings involve a single drone repeatedly observed in different locations or multiple drones operating in a coordinated manner.
Online speculation has run rampant, with some fearing that the drone(s) may be part of a malicious plot orchestrated by foreign agents.
While officials emphasize that state and federal investigations have not uncovered any evidence to support these concerns, Congressman Smith reiterated this possibility on Saturday.
“The covert maneuvering of these drones suggests a sophisticated military capability, raising concerns about whether they are being deployed to test our defensive capabilities, or worse, by rogue regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea,” Smith stated.
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh clarified on Wednesday that these aircraft do not belong to the U.S. military.
What Have Officials Said About the Drones?
The former president has publicly stated that the government possesses more information about the drones than it is currently disclosing. He urged, “Tell the public and tell them now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” in a post on his social media platform.
Senator Richard Blumenthal asserted on Thursday that the drones should be “neutralized if necessary.” He emphasized the need for swift intelligence analysis and the removal of these drones from the airspace, particularly if they are flying over airports or military bases.
However, experts have cautioned against hastily resorting to shooting down unidentified objects.
Trisha Bushey, a New Jersey resident who has witnessed frequent sightings in her area, expressed skepticism about the claim that the drones do not pose a threat to public safety.
“How can they assure us that they are not a threat if they don’t know what they are?” she questioned. “I believe this uncertainty is the primary source of public anxiety.”
Are Drones Allowed in New Jersey?
Recreational and commercial drone flights are permitted in New Jersey, but they are subject to local regulations, FAA guidelines, and designated flight restrictions.
In New York, obtaining permits is mandatory for launching or landing unmanned aircraft. Furthermore, all drone operations must be certified by the FAA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is responsible for the mysterious drones in New Jersey?
Authorities have yet to identify the individuals or organizations operating these drones. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by the FBI, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies, but no definitive answers have been provided regarding their origin.
2. Are the drones considered a threat to public safety?
Federal officials, including the Pentagon and the FBI, have stated that the drones do not pose a threat to public or national security. However, their presence has raised significant concerns among residents and lawmakers, leading to calls for stricter regulations on drone operations.
3. Where have the drones been sighted?
Drone sightings have been reported throughout New Jersey, including areas near Picatinny Arsenal, a prominent military research facility, and coastal regions. Similar drone activity has also been observed in New York and other parts of the East Coast.
4. What actions are lawmakers taking regarding the drones?
Several lawmakers, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Congressman Chris Smith, have advocated for increased regulations on drone operations and have called for military intervention to capture or neutralize the drones for investigative purposes.
5. Could these drones belong to foreign entities?
While some speculate that the drones may be linked to foreign actors conducting tests on U.S. defenses, federal agencies, including the Pentagon, have not found any evidence to support this theory.
6. What can residents do if they see a drone?
The FBI and local authorities encourage residents to report any drone sightings and share any relevant videos, photos, or information that may assist in ongoing investigations.
7. Are drones allowed to fly in New Jersey and New York?
Recreational and commercial drone flights are permissible in New Jersey, but they must comply with all applicable FAA regulations and local laws regarding restricted airspace. In New York, obtaining permits is mandatory for launching or landing unmanned aircraft.
8. Have there been similar drone incidents in other states?
Yes, reports of similar drone activity have surfaced in other states, including Virginia and Massachusetts, where they have been observed hovering over beaches and private properties.
9. Why are residents concerned about the drones?
Many residents express unease due to the drones’ unusual flight patterns, including night operations and coordinated movements, along with their unidentified nature. This lack of information fuels public speculation about their purpose and origin, contributing to heightened anxiety levels.
Have Drones Been Seen Elsewhere?
Reports of similar drone sightings have emerged from other locations, including Virginia.
Two individuals in Virginia reported witnessing a unique drone near a beach on Thursday night. The object hovered silently over the ocean and then slowly moved above a nearby National Guard installation, according to John Knight, who shared his account with The Virginian-Pilot.
“It was definitely different,” Knight described, noting that he recorded a video of the drone, which he estimated to be roughly the size of a small truck. “It flew like a helicopter but made no noise at all.”
The Virginia National Guard confirmed that no military aircraft were operating in that area on Thursday night.
In Massachusetts, residents in Cape Cod reported sightings of 10 to 15 drones hovering over a house on Thursday night.
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