New Jersey drone sightings/ mysterious drones/ FBI investigation/ drone regulations/ Picatinny Arsenal drones/ NEW JERSEY/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mysterious drones have been spotted across New Jersey in recent weeks, including near sensitive areas like military facilities and the President-elect’s golf course. While officials stress there is no evidence of a public safety threat, investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security are ongoing. Residents are urged to report sightings as concerns grow over the drones’ origins and purpose.
Key Points About New Jersey Drone Sightings
- Sightings: Drones, some reportedly 6 feet in diameter, have been seen statewide since November.
- Locations: Reported near the Raritan River, Picatinny Arsenal, coastal areas, and Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
- Public Safety: Officials say the drones are not an immediate threat, but concerns persist.
- Investigations: FBI and Homeland Security are looking into the incidents, with no evidence linking them to foreign entities.
- Legality: Drone use is regulated in New Jersey, requiring FAA certification.
Mysterious Drones Spark Concern Across NJ: Investigation Underway
Deep Look
Drone Sightings Across New Jersey
Reports of mysterious drones flying over New Jersey have surged since November, with sightings spanning from the scenic Raritan River to the Jersey Shore. Witnesses describe the drones as large, with some measuring up to 6 feet in diameter, and traveling stealthily, often with their lights turned off.
Notable sightings include:
- Drones flying near Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility.
- Multiple drones seen over Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
- A dozen drones reportedly following a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light.
These drones have also been spotted in coastal areas and over the Round Valley Reservoir, raising questions about their purpose and operators.
Safety Concerns and Investigations
While Governor Phil Murphy has assured the public that the drones do not pose a threat, many lawmakers and residents remain uneasy. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia noted that these drones often evade detection by traditional methods, such as helicopter radar or radio tracking.
Authorities, including the FBI, Homeland Security, and state police, are investigating the incidents but have not identified the operators. Speculation ranges from hobbyists to potential foreign actors, though federal agencies, including the Pentagon, have dismissed concerns of foreign involvement.
“Our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary,” the Pentagon stated.
Calls for Action
Some officials, including U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have urged the military to shoot down the drones, citing public safety concerns. However, no such action has been taken, and experts caution against overreaction without concrete evidence of a threat.
Drone Regulations in New Jersey
Drones are legal for recreational and commercial use in New Jersey but must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Operators are required to be FAA-certified and adhere to local flight restrictions.
Broader Context
New Jersey is not alone in experiencing unexplained drone activity. Similar sightings have been reported in neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania. Across the Atlantic, U.S. Air Force bases in the U.K. recently detected small unmanned aircraft near their installations.
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