A recent surge in sightings of enigmatic drones across New Jersey has caught the attention of local lawmakers, who have been informed by the Department of Homeland Security about the situation. According to Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, these drones can be as large as six feet in diameter and at times fly without their lights on, avoiding detection by standard methods like helicopters or radio. In a meeting with state police and Homeland Security officials, various legislators discussed the sightings, which span from the New York City vicinity through New Jersey and into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia.
The mysterious flights, which began last month, have sparked concern among residents and officials alike. Notably, some of these drones have been observed near sensitive locations such as Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing site, and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. While drones are permitted for both recreational and commercial use in New Jersey, they are bound by various local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. FAA certification is required for operators, and many of the drones reported seem to exceed the typical size associated with hobby drones.
The number of drone sightings has reportedly increased, although officials noted that many observations might actually involve planes, or that the same drone may have been sighted multiple times. Governor Phil Murphy and law enforcement have reiterated that there does not seem to be a threat to public safety posed by these drones, although the FBI has begun investigating and is encouraging residents to provide any photographic evidence or additional information they may possess.
In an interesting development, two Republican congressmen from the Jersey Shore area, Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have urged the military to consider shooting down these drones. Smith disclosed that he had been briefed by a Coast Guard officer about an incident over the weekend involving around a dozen drones closely tracking a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park. Coast Guard Lt. Luke Pinneo confirmed the presence of multiple low-flying aircraft near one of their vessels, although he clarified that they did not pose a direct threat to operations.
Smith has also reached out to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, advocating for military assistance to tackle the drone issue, suggesting that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has the necessary capabilities to identify and disable unauthorized drones. However, a Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, indicated that initial assessments suggest these drones may not be linked to any foreign adversarial actions.
In response to the growing concerns, several municipal lawmakers are pushing for stricter controls on drone operations, with at least one proposing a temporary ban on such flights within the state. Governor Murphy acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the public frustration, even though he did not attend the recent meeting on the matter.
Assemblyman Erik Peterson, who represents a district where sightings have been prevalent, attended the meeting in West Trenton, which lasted about 90 minutes. Although he praised the time given by DHS officials, he noted that they seemed to downplay some concerns, asserting that not all reported sightings could be confirmed as drones.
Questions about the origins and intentions behind these drones remain unanswered. Peterson stated, “My understanding is they have no clue,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the issue. A request for comments was sent to the Department of Homeland Security regarding this topic.
The majority of drone sightings have occurred along coastal regions, with some being reported over a large reservoir in Clinton, New Jersey. Accounts of similar sightings have been shared by individuals in neighboring states as well. James Edwards, a resident of Succasunna, New Jersey, expressed his apprehensions about the mysterious drones, emphasizing the need for calm amidst rampant speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the incidents. He believes people should await more concrete information rather than letting fear dictate their reactions.
