A series of enigmatic drones have been observed flying over New Jersey and throughout the eastern United States, leading to an array of theories and growing apprehension regarding their origins and purpose.
To address the situation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enacted a temporary ban on drone flights in 22 regions of New Jersey and 30 regions of New York earlier this week. This restriction is particularly concentrated in areas around New York City and Long Island, where critical infrastructures are situated. FAA representatives confirmed that these flight limitations were introduced at the request of federal security agencies and will remain in effect until mid-January.
Investigations involving the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and various state agencies are currently underway. However, officials have found no evidence to suggest that any of the drones pose a risk to national security or public safety. Many recorded drone sightings have turned out to be legal drones, manned aircraft, helicopters, or even celestial bodies.
President Joe Biden weighed in on the situation, stating on Tuesday night that there doesn’t appear to be any sinister intentions behind the drones. Despite federal assurances, numerous state and local officials are urging for more stringent regulations on drone operation and are even advocating the right to disable any drones that might be deemed a threat.
Federal authorities are tasked with tracking and neutralizing drones perceived as hazardous. However, this power was set to be revoked at midnight on Friday. A temporary spending bill passed by the House on Friday would extend this authority until March, helping to prevent a government shutdown—a decision anticipated to gain Senate approval as well.
In New Jersey, numerous eyewitnesses have come forward since mid-November, reporting drone sightings that include areas near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military installation, and over a golf course owned by President-elect Donald Trump in Bedminster.
Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, indicated that drone-detection technology provided by the federal government has not generated much new intelligence. He praised the equipment’s capability but abstained from disclosing details, emphasizing that while it could potentially disable drones, such actions are illegal within U.S. territory. Murphy has called on Congress to grant states greater authority to manage drone-related activities. The state’s Democratic-led Assembly recently adopted a resolution urging a comprehensive investigation by the federal government concerning drone sightings within New Jersey.
In light of the situation, authorities are cautioning citizens against directing lasers at suspected drones, as pilots have experienced an increase in eye exposure incidents. There are also concerns regarding individuals possibly aiming firearms at manned aircraft mistakenly identified as drones.
Despite the growing apprehension among residents, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the issue. National security spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that no public safety or national security threats have been identified in relation to the drone sightings. “In the United States, over 1 million drones are lawfully registered with the FAA,” Kirby noted. “Each day, thousands of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones share the skies. This is the environment we are navigating.”
Federal personnel and advanced investigative technology have been deployed to examine drone reports in New Jersey and other states. Kirby highlighted that of the 5,000 recent drone sightings reported to the FBI, around 100 were credible enough to merit further investigation, according to a joint statement made by multiple federal departments.
Speculation regarding who could be operating these drones has circulated widely, with some raising concerns about potential foreign operations or covert government activities. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the drones being used for intelligence purposes, pointing out their conspicuous presence. He reiterated that the Department of Defense is not behind the operations of these unidentified drones.
When questioned about possible military contractor involvement in the New Jersey region, Ryder dismissed the notion, asserting that there are “no military operations, no military drone or experimental operations in this corridor.” He also mentioned that additional drone-detection technology is being introduced at several military sites, including the Picatinny Arsenal.
Recent drone activity resulted in notable disruptions; for instance, it caused a temporary closure of runways at Stewart International Airport in New York, and led to restricted airspace around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Moreover, two individuals in Boston were apprehended for flying a drone perilously close to Logan International Airport.
New Jersey’s former President Trump claimed that the government is withholding information, urging for transparency and even suggesting the drones be shot down. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he stated on Truth Social.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, expressed that there is no substantial evidence supporting claims of governmental secrecy, attributing the prevailing distrust in institutions to ongoing public anxiety surrounding the situation.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut joined the call for stronger action, advocating for drones to be disabled. Meanwhile, a Senate bill aimed at enhancing federal agencies’ authority to track and disrupt drones has been pending since last year. This legislative effort also incorporates a pilot program allowing state and local law enforcement to monitor and disable drones within the oversight of federal authorities, paralleling a similar measure introduced in the House last June.
