TRENTON, N.J. — Recently deployed drone-detection systems in New Jersey have reportedly produced “little to no evidence” of any threatening activities, according to Governor Phil Murphy. As concerns grow about unidentified drone sightings in the Northeast, Murphy addressed the media to discuss the situation. On Saturday, the state recorded a dozen drone sightings, with one additional sighting on Sunday. While the governor did not disclose the specifics of the drone-detection technology, he noted that it was capable of disabling drones. However, Murphy emphasized that such actions are not legally permitted under U.S. law.
Governor Murphy, a member of the Democratic Party, joined other state officials in urging Congress to revise laws to empower local authorities to manage drone-related activities, as most regulatory power currently lies with the federal government. “It is astonishing that a nation as significant and powerful as ours exhibits the shortcomings we have now witnessed regarding drone intrusions,” he remarked.
Federal authorities, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have stated there is no evidence to suggest that drone operators are acting with malicious intent or that there is foreign interference involved. “People are undoubtedly observing drones,” Mayorkas confirmed during an interview, assuring the American people that local and state officials are being consulted closely in the investigation.
Despite federal reassurances, public skepticism remains, particularly with online speculation involving foreign agents and government secrets. Concerns have heightened about potential threats to military installations and airports, prompting calls for action from various officials. Among these skeptics is President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested that the government is well aware of the situation yet chooses to keep information from the public, stating that “our military knows and our president knows.” Trump refrained from disclosing whether he has been briefed on recent drone sightings.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey expressed the need for clearer communication from officials to help the public accurately interpret drone sightings, emphasizing a need for transparency rather than vague, reassuring statements. Kim also remarked that he has not encountered any substantial evidence supporting Trump’s claims of withheld information, attributing public distrust to broader societal issues.
In the last couple of days, officials from New York and Pennsylvania have sought federal assistance in deploying drone-detection equipment. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, underscored the urgency of safeguarding communities and obtaining clarity on the existence of drones, advocating for advanced radar technology to evaluate their origins and intentions.
In response to reported drone sightings in Connecticut, state police have initiated monitoring efforts, coordinating with analysts to cross-reference these observations with federal flight data. Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut noted that while some sightings involve identifiable commercial aircraft, others remain mysterious, indicating an incident where one drone bore the name of an airline. Lamont assured that security protocols at airports are being strictly enforced while investigations proceed.
During a recent briefing, Pentagon spokesman Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder remarked that defense officials have seen no evidence that these drones are influenced or controlled by foreign entities. He mentioned that there are approximately 1 million registered drones in the United States, with around 8,000 actively flying daily. Ryder pointed out that military bases abroad can utilize certain surveillance techniques that remain unavailable under U.S. law, which hampers the investigation into the drones’ origins but could potentially yield useful information.
Christopher Stadulis, a retired firefighter and drone enthusiast, articulated his observations of unusual drone activity in his hometown of Clinton Township, New Jersey, describing them as large and distinct from typical aircraft. He expressed concern over the unusually high volume of drone activity in his area.
Additional suspected drone activities over the weekend led to a brief airspace restriction at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and two individuals were arrested for flying a drone perilously close to Logan International Airport in Boston.
In response to the ongoing uncertainty, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, announced plans to introduce legislation that would compel federal officials to provide public briefings about drone incidents. He advocates for the creation of a drone traffic control system similar to what is used for manned aircraft and desires to grant law enforcement the ability to neutralize drones that pose threats. “The constituents I represent, and the citizens across the nation, deserve answers and transparency from their government,” Gottheimer insisted in his statement.
