TRENTON, N.J. — A series of enigmatic drones have been spotted flying over New Jersey and various parts of the eastern United States, leading to widespread speculation and concern regarding their origins and purposes.
The FBI, along with the Department of Homeland Security and state agencies, has been looking into the incidents; however, officials indicate that there is currently no evidence suggesting these drones could be a threat to national security or public safety. In fact, many of the reported sightings have turned out to be legal drones, helicopters, manned aircraft, or even celestial bodies like stars.
President Joe Biden remarked on the issue, noting that the nature of these flying objects does not seem to be alarming. “There are many authorized drones. We are monitoring this situation closely, and so far there is no indication of danger,” he stated while departing the White House for Delaware.
Despite the reassurances from federal officials, numerous lawmakers at both state and municipal levels have demanded stricter regulations concerning unmanned aerial vehicles and have even suggested the potential to shoot them down.
During a closed-session meeting on Tuesday, members of the House Intelligence Committee questioned federal law enforcement and intelligence representatives about the drone situation. Democratic Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut shared that the officials reiterated there is still no substantiated evidence of any threat from these drones.
What sightings have occurred in New Jersey?
Since mid-November, a multitude of individuals across New Jersey have reported seeing drones, including areas near the Picatinny Arsenal— a military research facility— and Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey indicated that federal drone-detection technology provided to the state has not yielded much additional information. While he described the equipment as powerful enough to potentially disable drones, he clarified that doing so is illegal in the United States. Murphy is advocating for Congress to grant states greater authority to manage drone activities.
In addition, the FBI and New Jersey state police have cautioned against the use of lasers directed at suspected drones, as there has been an increase in incidents where pilots have been blinded. Additionally, there are concerns that individuals may fire upon manned aircraft, mistaking them for drones.
Do these drones represent a threat?
The growing alarm among residents is acknowledged by the Biden administration, especially given criticism from Trump regarding the federal response. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that the government has not identified any public safety or national security risks associated with the drones. “More than a million drones are legally registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. The realm of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones is lawful and expansive,” he commented.
Federal authorities have deployed teams and advanced monitoring technology to scrutinize the incidents reported in New Jersey and other states. Each tip from citizens is being carefully analyzed, and among the over 5,000 drone sightings reported to the FBI, around 100 have been considered credible enough for further scrutiny— as detailed in a collaborative statement from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense.
Who is piloting the drones?
Speculation has been rampant online, with some individuals fearing that the drones may be part of a sinister agenda, possibly linked to foreign entities or covert government operations.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder downplayed these concerns, indicating that it is improbable the drones are involved in intelligence operations due to their conspicuous nature. He reaffirmed that the Department of Defense is not operating these drones.
When questioned about the possibility of military contractors managing some drone operations in New Jersey, Ryder dismissed the idea, stating that there are “no military operations or testing of drones in that area.” He also mentioned the deployment of drone-detecting technology to specific military sites, including the Picatinny Arsenal.
Drone activities have disrupted air traffic recently, including the temporary closure of Stewart International Airport’s runways north of Manhattan due to drone sightings, a four-hour airspace restriction around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and the arrest of two individuals in Boston for flying a drone too close to Logan International Airport.
Calls for action against the drones
Trump has expressed his belief that more information is being withheld from the public regarding the drones. “Let the public know now. If not, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social.
Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, stated that he has found no evidence to support claims of governmental secrecy. He noted that a general mistrust in institutions is contributing to the ongoing debate.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, also a Democrat from Connecticut, recently advocated that the drones should be “shot down.” The growing sentiment surrounding drone activity appears to be a focal point of concern for both residents and lawmakers.