TOMS River, N.J. — Recently, there has been a surge of unidentified drones in the skies over New Jersey, raising questions about their origin and purpose. Numerous residents have reported sightings of these drones, prompting the state’s officials, including Governor Phil Murphy, to emphasize that there is no immediate threat to public safety.
Despite the reassurances from local authorities, concerns have led several lawmakers to advocate for stricter regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is actively involved in this investigation and has encouraged residents to submit any recordings or photographs that may aid in uncovering more information about these drones.
What exactly has been observed in New Jersey? Since November, numerous individuals have reported seeing these drones, with the initial sightings occurring along the picturesque Raritan River, which provides water to the Round Valley Reservoir, located around 50 miles from New York City. However, reports have soon expanded across the state, with significant sightings near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility, and even above President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Notably, sightings have also occurred in coastal regions.
Representative Chris Smith disclosed that a Coast Guard officer reported seeing a dozen drones trailing closely behind a lifeboat off Barnegat Light and at Island Beach State Park over the weekend.
As far as potential dangers are concerned, Governor Murphy has indicated that the drones do not present any risk, although he has not elaborated on this claim. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, after conferred from the Department of Homeland Security, noted that the drones vary in size, with some measuring up to six feet in diameter and occasionally flying without their lights activated. These dimensions exceed what most hobbyists use, and she pointed out that they appear to be eluding conventional detection tools such as helicopters and radio equipment.
Experts suggest that some individuals may mistakenly identify planes or helicopters for drones or may misjudge the size of the aerial objects they are witnessing. “There are large drones, particularly those used in agriculture, but they typically aren’t the kind seen in urban settings,” stated John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association. He expressed skepticism about the accuracy of witness accounts, drawing a parallel to exaggerated fishing tales, where distance can alter one’s perception of size, particularly at night.
When it comes to the origin of these drones, authorities remain uncertain. Investigative efforts from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and state police are ongoing, and officials have not determined whether the sightings stem from a singular drone or multiple aircraft operating in unison. Speculation has emerged on social media, with some fearing that these units could be linked to foreign espionage. However, officials have clarified that the investigations thus far have found no substantiation for such worries.
Republican congressmen from the Jersey Shore, including Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have urged military action to take down these drones, citing potential safety risks. Nevertheless, the Pentagon has stated that there is no evidence indicating a foreign threat from these drones. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder reaffirmed that the military’s evaluation holds that these drones are not of foreign origin, while Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh added that they are not affiliated with the U.S. military.
In New Jersey, the operation of drones for both recreational and commercial purposes is permissible under local laws and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. Operators are required to have FAA certification.
In addition to New Jersey, drone sightings have also been reported in neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania. Moreover, similar incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles were noted last month in the U.K., where several small drones were detected in close proximity to military bases utilized by American forces.