Mysterious drone sightings have been reported across New Jersey since mid-November, particularly around sensitive sites like military facilities. Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged numerous sightings, while local authorities express concerns about their unknown origins. Speculations range from potential foreign threats to domestic activities, but the Pentagon and military officials deny links to external adversaries. The FBI is investigating, with no credible threats identified so far. The situation has drawn attention from federal authorities, including President Biden.
Mysterious Drone Sightings in New Jersey
The American media is buzzing with reports of puzzling drone sightings that have yet to be explained. Since mid-November, unidentified drones have been frequently spotted flying over New Jersey at night, particularly around sensitive locations, including a military research facility. New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, noted that on one day alone, December 8, there were 49 reported sightings, primarily in Hunterdon County. However, he cautioned that this figure might include duplicates or mistaken reports.
“This is something we take very seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Governor Murphy stated on December 9 during a law-signing event unrelated to the drone issue. Notably, a US Army base in northern Morris County has been seen at least 11 times, even during a temporary flight ban for drones established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates civil aviation.
Concerns and Speculations Surrounding the Drones
Despite assurances from Governor Murphy that “there is no known threat to the public,” apprehensions persist. “Their presence seems to have a harmful nature,” remarked the police chief of Florham Park via Facebook. During a recent House of Representatives hearing, Republican Chris Smith described the drones as a “very serious threat.” Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Cory Booker urged more transparency in a letter to the FBI and other federal agencies, expressing concern over the growing uncertainty and the potential for misinformation.
Speculation about the drones’ origins is rampant. Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew suggested a controversial theory, claiming on Fox News that high-level sources indicated the drones might have been launched by Iran from a ship in the Atlantic. “This mother ship is off the east coast. They have launched drones at everything we can see or hear. I’m not saying this lightly. It’s a national security crisis that we cannot ignore. Shoot them down!” he asserted.
This theory was quickly dismissed by the Pentagon. “There is no truth to that,” stated Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh, clarifying that there is no Iranian ship off the U.S. coast and these drones are not coming from any foreign adversary.
Another domestic theory has also been ruled out. The commander of the military research facility at Picatinny Arsenal confirmed that the drones are not affiliated with their activities. “Although the source of these devices operating in our area remains unknown, we can confirm that they are not the result of activities related to Picatinny Arsenal,” Lieutenant Colonel Craig Bonham II stated.
As investigations continue, the FBI is working to uncover the truth behind these sightings. “There is nothing known that would allow me to say they pose an immediate danger, but we are not certain, and that is what is concerning,” acknowledged Robert Wheeler, deputy director of the critical incident response group. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also confirmed there is no specific or credible threat associated with these sightings.
Insights from a closed-door meeting revealed that the drones, measuring approximately 2 meters in diameter, often fly with their lights off and do not appear to be operated by amateurs. Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali, who attended the meeting, reported that while there is currently no credible threat, the drones are flying over critical infrastructure, and their origin remains a mystery.
The case has garnered significant attention, even reaching President Joe Biden, who is reportedly “closely monitoring” the situation and collaborating with investigative agencies to clarify the matter.