In recent weeks, New Jersey and New York have been beset by a series of mysterious drone sightings that have sparked significant concern among local, state, and federal authorities. The swarm of unidentified drones, reported to have entered New Jersey from the ocean at Island Beach State Park, has drawn the attention of Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has labeled them “a very serious threat.” Reports indicate that over 50 drones were sighted, with some notably trailing a Coast Guard ship at sea. These alarming encounters have left both residents and officials puzzled about the drones’ origin, purpose, and intent.
During a congressional hearing, FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler expressed the bureau’s ongoing uncertainty regarding the drones’ operators. Despite assurances from New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy and other officials that the situation is under control, Wheeler admitted, “There is nothing known that would lead me to say that [the drones] pose a threat to public safety, but we just don’t know, and that’s the concerning part.” This lack of clarity has fueled anxiety over potential implications for public safety and security.
Rep. Smith has taken a proactive stance, joining local law enforcement in a drone-hunting effort and advocating for military intervention to neutralize the drones. He calls the situation a serious threat to national security, urging authorities to grant permission to shoot down unidentified drones in order to establish their identity and capabilities. The calls for action underscore the escalating urgency felt by officials as they seek to resolve the mystery surrounding these aerial devices.
Compounding the confusion, local military installations such as Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle have disavowed responsibility for the drone sightings. Eyewitness accounts depict some drones as larger than typical commercial models, featuring both rotary and fixed-wing configurations. These unidentified craft have been observed hovering over key infrastructure, including reservoirs and military sites across multiple counties in New Jersey, raising alarms about their possible uses and intentions.
In the face of growing unease, state Sen. Jon Bramnick has urged Governor Murphy to declare a limited state of emergency, advocating for a ban on all drones until the public receives a satisfactory explanation for the sightings. The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, along with the FBI and State Police, is actively soliciting reports from the public regarding any sightings along the Raritan River, hoping to gather more information to demystify the situation.
Adding another layer to the ongoing drone saga, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented temporary security restrictions in certain areas, including Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal. These measures, however, have yet to be clearly linked to the drone sightings, leaving authorities and the public grasping for answers amid a rising wave of speculation and concern regarding the nature of these unidentified aerial threats.