Mysterious Drones Spotted Across New Jersey: What We Know and What’s Still Unclear
New Jersey has been buzzing with talk of mysterious drones spotted across the state in recent weeks.
What Have We Seen?
Reports of these unmanned aircraft first surfaced near the Raritan River, but sightings have quickly spread statewide. From near military facilities like Picatinny Arsenal to areas even close to President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, residents have reported seeing these drones flying in various locations. In a concerning incident, U.S. Rep Chris Smith reported that a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Ocean County.
Are These Drones a Threat?
While Governor Phil Murphy has stated that the drones don’t pose a threat, many question his lack of detailed explanation. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia claims she has been briefed that these drones can be up to 6 feet in diameter, often fly with their lights off, and seem to evade traditional detection methods.
Others believe these reported sightings could simply be misidentified planes or helicopters.
Who is Sending the Drones?
This is the biggest question of all, and undoubtedly the source of much speculation. While some online communities fear a nefarious plot by foreign agents, officials stress that ongoing investigations have not found any evidence to support these claims.
Two Republican congressmen, Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones due to safety concerns, but the Pentagon insists these drones are not a threat from abroad and have confirmed they are not US military assets.
What About Drone Regulations?
Drone flying is legal in New Jersey for both recreational and commercial use, but it is subject to FAA regulations and local flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
The Broader Picture
It’s not just New Jersey seeing these mysterious drones. Sightings have also been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania, and even in the United Kingdom.
What Can You Do?
The FBI is asking residents who have seen or captured videos or photos of these drones to come forward with their information. Your observations could be crucial to solving this intriguing mystery.