A naval station in New Jersey has reported multiple breaches of its airspace by unidentified drones, but officials emphasize there is no evidence suggesting they pose a threat to national security. Naval Weapons Station Earle, located in Colts Neck, confirmed the incidents, with public affairs officer Bill Addison stating that while no direct threats have been identified, the base remains equipped with advanced security measures and detection systems to address potential risks.
The sightings come amidst ongoing reports of mysterious nighttime drone activity in northern New Jersey, some involving larger drones than those typically used by hobbyists. Despite the unusual nature of these sightings, a joint statement from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security on Dec. 12 questioned whether the objects were indeed drones, noting, “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” Federal agencies, in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, continue to investigate.
Governor Requests Federal Assistance
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has sought President Joe Biden’s support in dealing with the situation, highlighting in a Dec. 12 letter the limitations of current laws that restrict state and local law enforcement from countering unauthorized drone activities. Murphy called for additional federal resources to uncover the source of the drone flights.
Eyewitness Reports
Local residents, including Phil Doyle of Oak Ridge, have described the scale of the drone activity as significant. Doyle recounted to NBC’s WNBC that he’s seen dozens of drones flying over his home on a nightly basis, saying, “It’s not two or three a night, it’s 30 or 50 a night. They have lights on them so you can see them.”
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is urging anyone with information on the drone activity to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
